McHenry County police departments participated in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run event last weekend in Crystal Lake to help raise money for the Special Olympics of Illinois.
Crystal Lake Police Department Community Relations Officer Salvatore Alfano said the event took place at Veteran Acres Park on Saturday.
Officers from multiple police agencies, local Special Olympics athletes and their friends and families took part in the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
The event raised funds and awareness on behalf of Special Olympics Illinois, Alfano said.
Police agencies that attended included the Algonquin Police Department, Crystal Lake Police Department, Crystal Lake Park District Police Department, Lake in the Hills Police Department, McHenry County Sheriff’s Office and Woodstock Police Department.
Multiple local businesses provided food and water donations. Those businesses include Algonquin Jewel-Osco, Algonquin Jimmy Johns, Algonquin Meijer Store, Lake in the Hills Jersey Mikes, and Crystal Lake Mariano’s.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the single largest year-round fundraising movement benefiting Special Olympics Illinois.
Every year, law enforcement personnel across the state dedicate hours to help raise funds and awareness for the 23,100 traditional athletes and more than 13,000 young athletes participating across Illinois, the organization said.
This year, due to the pandemic, the event is being held in a hybrid format. Participants run, walk, or bike two miles during the month of June.
Donations can be made through the Law Enforcement Torch Run Virtual Torch Run site found here or by contacting any of the local police departments that participated.
Money raised by the not-for-profit organization goes toward helping those with intellectual disabilities. “Special Olympics programs enhance physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills and encourage family and community support,” according to the organization.