Special Olympics and Law Enforcement Torch Run
Sgt. Larry Crosman of the Mansfield Police Department and member of the Law Enforcement Torch Run Executive Council for Special Olympics has just returned from Seattle, Washington where he was part of an elite group of individuals that served as the ???Guardians of the Flame??? and escorted the Special Olympics Flame of Hope on a journey across Washington state to the Special Olympics USA Games. Sgt. Crosman represented the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Torch Run program as a Final Leg runner and was one of 47 LETR officers and 6 Special Olympic Athletes from across the country that carried the Flame of Hope throughout the state. Sgt. Crosman travelled to Seattle with Special Olympic Athlete Danny Williamson from Gloucester MA.
As an important part of the USA Games, the LETR Final Leg team conducted 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 began on June 27th and culminated on July 1st, when the team escorted the Flame of Hope into Husky Stadium at the University of Washington in Seattle. Law Enforcement officials and Special Olympics athletes, unified together as a part of the Final Leg Team, served as true Guardians of the Flame??? and promoted the powerful messages of inclusion, acceptance, and ability every step of their Final Leg journey.
This year also marks the 50th Anniversary of Special Olympics which was founded by Eunice Kennedy-Shriver. A celebration was conducted on the birthday anniversary of Eunice Kennedy-Shriver at the Kennedy compound in Hyannis port. Members of the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Torch Run Executive Council; Co-Director Attleboro Chief Richard Pierce (Ret.), Co-Director Middleton Chief James Digianvittorio, MA State Police Major Pasquale Russolillo, Harwich Lt. Kevin Considine, Mansfield Sgt. Larry Crosman, North Attleboro Officer Kristine Crosman and Pittsfield Officers Investigator John Bassi and Darren Derby; along with Special Olympic Athletes and friends and family members of Mrs. Shriver attended. The LETR officers and Special Olympic athletes took part in a ceremony and an eternal flame was lit where the inclusive sports movement began with Eunice Kennedy-Shriver.
The flame will travel to Chicago where it will light the Eternal Flame of Hope for Special Olympics at Soldiers Field, the sight where the first Special Olympics Games took place. The 50th Anniversary Celebration and events will take place from July 17th ??? July 21st. Attleboro Chief Richard Pierce (Ret.) will be representing the Massachusetts Law Enforcement Torch Run program at the celebration in Chicago and will participate in the Special Olympics 50th Anniversary Commemorative Torch Run into Soldiers Field, along with officers from across the country, where the Eternal Flame of Hope will be lit on Friday July 20th.