Jennings, Louisiana – Law enforcement officers from across Louisiana will carry the symbolic “Flame of Hope” through Jefferson Davis Parish on Monday, May 12, as part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Louisiana. This annual relay aims to raise awareness and support for the 2025 Special Olympics Louisiana State Summer Games, taking place later in May.
The Jefferson Davis Parish leg of the relay begins at 8 a.m. at the Jefferson Davis Sheriff’s Office, located at 1530 US-90 in Jennings. Officers will proceed through the community, concluding their route at 300 N. State St., also in Jennings. The Torch Run is open to the public, and organizers encourage local residents to attend, cheer on participants, and learn more about Special Olympics Louisiana’s work.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run is an international event in which law enforcement personnel lead a series of torch relays ahead of the Special Olympics Summer Games in each state or country. In Louisiana, officers carried the torch starting in late April and will continue throughout May. The effort culminates at the Opening Ceremonies for the State Summer Games at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond on May 23, with the final leg and lighting of the torch scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Southeastern Track Complex.
Photo and interview opportunities will be available at the end of the run in Jennings, providing media and attendees a chance to meet participating officers and Special Olympics Louisiana representatives.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run is Special Olympics’ largest grassroots fundraising and public awareness campaign. Now in its 41st year, the event not only highlights the commitment of law enforcement to inclusion and community engagement but also supports year-round fundraising activities for Special Olympics Louisiana. Officers and volunteers organize events across the state, helping to sustain programs for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Special Olympics Louisiana (SOLA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities through sports, health, education, and leadership programs. Serving 8,000 children and adults in all 64 parishes, SOLA operates with the assistance of 6,000 volunteers and provides services at no cost to participants. Programs are available for people beginning at age 2, with no upper age limit.
The 2025 State Summer Games will take place May 23-25 at Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, bringing together athletes from across the state to compete in a variety of sports. The Law Enforcement Torch Run plays a crucial role in building excitement and public involvement ahead of the games.
For more information about the Jefferson Davis Parish Torch Run, the final leg in Hammond, or the 2025 State Summer Games, visit Special Olympics Louisiana’s website. The organization also shares updates and information on social media platforms, including X (@SOLouisiana), Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.
Community members interested in supporting Special Olympics Louisiana or participating in upcoming events can find additional details online. The Law Enforcement Torch Run welcomes public attendance and engagement at all events throughout the state.