The 39th Annual Statewide Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics will begin Wednesday, June 11 and run through Friday, June 13. Almost 800 law enforcement officers from across Delaware will carry the Flame of Hope to honor the athletes of Special Olympics Delaware.
This three-day event spans from Wilmington to Fenwick Island, demonstrating the commitment law enforcement has to inclusion and support for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The Delaware Law Enforcement Torch Run has raised over $12 million since it began, supporting year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
On Wednesday, June 11, the run will begin at 9 AM at the New Castle County Police Department, traveling to the Wilmington Police Department for a ceremony at 9:30 AM before continuing along Kirkwood Highway and Albertson Boulevard. Downstate, the run will begin at 3:30 PM at Fenwick Island, traveling to the Rehoboth Beach Grandstand for a ceremony at 7 PM. Following that ceremony, officers and athletes will compete in a one mile run to Grove Park.
On Thursday, June 12, the downstate runners get an early start, meeting at the Delmar Police Station at 6:15 PM and the Georgetown Circle at 6:55 AM. They will unite in Harrington before continuing to Dover for a 1:45 PM ceremony at Legislative Mall. Upstate, they will depart Middletown Police Department at 10:30 AM, arriving in Dover in time for the afternoon ceremony. Law enforcement officers, Special Olympic athletes and state legislators are invited to attend.
On June 13, the torch leaves Newark Shopping Center at 4:15 PM and completes its journey with its final leg into the Bob Carpenter Center at the University of Delaware where the Opening Ceremony for the 2025 Summer Special Olympic Games will begin at approximately 5 PM.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run is more than just a relay. It is a symbol of hope, inclusion and community. Officers from departments across the state come together to honor the strength and determination of Special Olympic athletes while also helping to ensure that Delaware athletes continue to enjoy opportunities to grow in skill, confidence and friendship.
