UAPD will race torch through campus before handing off to Tucson Police

Several UAPD officers and employees will be running and biking across campus today to raise money for the Special Olympics.

Twelve University of Arizona Police Department employees and one Special Olympics athlete will participate in the Law Enforcement run, which will bring one of the Special Olympicsâ torches through campus.

The participants will pick up the relay torch at East Sixth Street and North Campbell Avenue at 5:20 p.m. and run through campus, handing the torch off to the Tucson Police Department at their headquarters at 270 S. Stone Ave., said UAPD senior office specialist and torch-run coordinator Sarah Duke.

ãIt is law enforcementâs pet project,ä said UAPD Sgt. Bob Sommerfeld, coordinator for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. ãItâs the first year weâll be able to run the torch through UAPD jurisdiction.ä

The Arizona law enforcement relay will culminate when the torches are taken to Ahwatukee on Friday for the opening ceremonies of Special Olympics Arizona. Sommerfeld and some of his co-workers will be at the ceremonies.

UAPD raised $4,500 last year through sponsorship, donations and by selling T-shirts. This year, the department has not set a goal but hopes to surpass last yearâs earnings, Sommerfeld said.

ãItâs a big deal because the funds raised go to participant entry fees, uniforms, transportation and meals,ä Duke said.

This is the 12th year UAPD has participated in the event and has challenged the Northern Arizona University Police Department and the Arizona State University Police Department to beat their earnings.

ãIt is really neat to see them get motivated. Officers are competitive anyway, and when itâs for a worthy cause, itâs inspiring,ä said Special Olympics Arizona Law Enforcement Torch Run manager Karla Ariz.

She said she hopes UAPDâs revamped relay path and raffle sales will boost the departmentâs earnings.

ãTheyâve added a new path and are raffling off an NCAA autographed U of A basketball,ä Ariz said.

Approximately 100 Arizona law enforcement agencies are participating in the torch run, each hoping to raise a total of $500,000 for its respective chapter.

ãWeâre confident law enforcement will meet and exceed their goal,ä Ariz said.

UAPD and TPD have been earning money for the project through volunteer contributions all year.

TPD is raffling off a Harley Davidson motorcycle and trailer, and both agencies participated in the Cops and Lobsters 2002 campaign. In April, department employees waited tables at Red Lobster and donated their tips to the Special Olympics.

ãItâs great because Special Olympics is there for all different types of athletes, people of different ages with physical, mental or learning disabilities,ä Sommerfeld said.