The final leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Northern California received a ceremonious sendoff from CDCR and law enforcement partners in Sacramento on June 3.
More than 40 donating CDCR and CCHCS runners from institutions, parole offices, and headquarters braved high temperatures to trek from Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park to the west steps of the State Capitol building. After a short ceremony, the “Flame of Hope” was whisked away by the USA Games Final Leg Team.
Across Northern California, 2,127 participants representing 232 teams have registered to take part in the Law Enforcement Torch Run, raising another $302,964 for Special Olympics Northern California.
Watch the video (story continues below):
The flame will make its way to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games June 20-26 in Minnesota. The detour through Sacramento presented an opportunity for law enforcement partners (known as Guardians of the Flame) to once again empower children and adults with intellectual disabilities – both on and off the field.
“At CDCR, we believe in the value of opportunity, personal growth and building stronger communities,” CDCR Secretary Jeff Macomber said from the Capitol steps. “These same principles are reflected in the mission of Special Olympics (and) in the accomplishments of the athletes we are recognizing today.”
The Law Enforcement Torch Run has become a major fundraising event for Special Olympics athletes. Events like these have collectively raised more than $900 million since inception. They have also helped shift public attitudes toward individuals with intellectual disabilities.
The June 3 ceremony was a culmination for CDCR after several events at CDCR institutions and parole offices throughout the state, where the “Flame of Hope” continued its journey.
Top fundraising teams*
- Team CMF — $5,625
- CDCR San Quentin — $4,905
- CDCR/CCHCS Sacramento Region — $2,855
- Folsom State Prison — $1,950
- Team Solano — $1,880
- CDCR/CHCF Guardians — $1,430
- CTF Soledad — $1,367
- CDCR CSP-Sac — $894
- CDCR North DAPO — $871
*Additional participating teams included the Richard A. McGee Correctional Training Center though their fundraising totals were not provided.
Story and photos by Ike Dodson, Supervisor II, CCHCS
Video by Bernadette Durley, TV Specialist
Office of Public and Employee Communications
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