By Kimberley Sander SGV – The Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station will be participating in this year’s Special Olympics Torch Run. On Monday morning, June 3, they will receive the torch from Industry Station officers around 9:30am, and proudly run and bike their way into the Special Olympics Lanterman Development Center. They will pass the torch to Pomona Police Officers around 11 a.m. Walnut/Diamond Bar officers will also proudly enjoy celebrating with the Special Olympic participants at the center. The Wichita Police Department in Kansas created the run back in 1981 as a way to involve officers in the community. Since its inception, the Torch Run has grown to include over 142,000 law enforcement officers running in more than 125 events in 48 countries. Most importantly, they have raised over $414 million for the Special Olympics worldwide. Pomona Valley officers helped contribute to the nearly $1.2 million raised in Southern California last year alone. The Special Olympics organization of Pomona Valley offers year-round programs and physical fitness competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Programs like the Special Olympics help to develop fitness and motor skills, and instill self-confidence and a positive self image. For more information on this year’s Torch Run and the Special Olympics of Southern California, visit http://www.sosc.org. Lanterman Development Center Central Program Services is located at 3530 W. Pomona Blvd. Pomona, CA 91769.
