Pittman Honored with Spot on 2018 Special Olympics USA Games Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg Team
Before competition begins at the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle next July, an elite group of individuals will serve as the “Guardians of the Flame” and escort the Special Olympics Flame of Hope on a journey across Washington state. James Pittman, Louisiana State Police of Baton Rouge is among those who will make up the prestigious “Final Leg” team for the Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) at the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games.
Since the first Special Olympics USA Games in 2006, members of law enforcement and Special Olympics athletes from across the United States have carried the Flame of Hope in the LETR Final Leg to usher the start of the national competition.
From June 27 through July 1, the LETR Final Leg team will conduct multiple runs and ceremonies in cities, towns, and communities across Washington state to raise awareness for Special Olympics and generate excitement for the 2018 USA Games. The 2018 LETR Final Leg culminates on July 1 when the team escorts the Flame of Hope into the Opening Ceremony at Husky Stadium at the University of Washington in Seattle.
Team Louisiana will be a delegation of 129 (70 athletes, 27 unified partners, 32 coaches and official delegates) representing Special Olympics Louisiana. Our delegation will compete in the following sports: Athletics (Track & Field), Aquatics (Swimming), Bocce, Bowling, Golf, Powerlifting, Tennis, Unified Basketball, Unified Softball, and Unified Flag Football.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is the Special Olympics movement’s largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle in the world. In 2016, law enforcement volunteers raised $56.6 million for Special Olympics programs around the world and eclipsed $675 million since the inception of the LETR in 1981.
For more information on the LETR Final Leg team, please visit http://www.letr-finalleg.org/. The schedule of events and ceremonies for the 2018 USA Games LETR Final Leg will be announced in Spring 2018.
Photos from the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games Law Enforcement Torch Run will be available on the LETR Final Leg website.
About the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games
The 2018 Special Olympics USA Games will be held in Seattle, Washington July 1-6, 2018. More than 4,000 participants representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia, along with the support of tens of thousands of volunteers and spectators, will compete in 14 Olympic-type team and individual sports. The 2018 Special Olympics USA Games will celebrate the Special Olympics movement and its 50th anniversary; promote the ideals of acceptance and inclusion through sport; and showcase athletes from throughout the U.S. and the abilities of people with intellectual disabilities. The 2018 USA Games will also highlight Special Olympics’ work in sport, education, health, and community-building. For more information on the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games, please visit www.SpecialOlympicsUSAGames.org.
Special Olympics Louisiana is a state-wide organization that changes lives by promoting understanding, acceptance, and inclusion between people with and without intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics Louisiana offers year-round programs for 14,880 children and adults with intellectual disabilities in all 64 parishes with the help of 15,000 volunteers. We have health, education, and leadership, family, training, and sports programs for people beginning at age 2 and there is no upper age limit. There is no cost to participate in Special Olympics. Visit Special Olympics Louisiana at www.laso.org. Engage with us on Twitter @SOLouisiana; fb.com/specialolympicslouisiana; youtube.com/SOLouisianaTV, and specialolympicslouisiana.wordpress.com.
