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The "Flame of Hope" is on a 22,000 mile journey to Shanghai,
China for the Opening Ceremonies of the 2007
Special Olympics World Summer Games in October and recently made its
only United States stop in Washington, DC. Seven North Carolina Law Enforcement
Torch Run officers and two Special Olympics North Carolina staff took
part in the festivities surrounding the DC stop.
Major Mike Teem of the Raleigh Police Department is also the Chairman
of the Law Enforcement Torch Run Executive Council and had a very visible
role in the Global Torch Run's DC leg. Major Teem along with a police
chief from Illinois lit the Torch held by two Special Olympics athletes,
along with President George W. Bush during a historic Rose Garden ceremony.
"Let me just say, I believe it is a fitting testimony to this country,
that was based on the ideals of inclusion and acceptance and hope, that
the Games we honor today began right here in our country," said President
Bush. "We look proudly on the 'Flame of Hope.' which symbolizes the
dreams of millions."
The torch then was carried by law enforcement officers and Special Olympics
athletes through Washington, DC with stops at the Capitol, the National
Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and finishing up with a celebration
at the Chinese Embassy. North Carolina participants included: Dennie Crowder
and John Diggs of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, Hank Guess
of the Hickory Police Department, Keith Jones of the Guilford County Sheriff's
Office, Bill Lyons of Community Corrections in Wilkes County, Ken Pike
of the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement agency and Olivia Laney
and Roy Forrest of Special Olympics North Carolina.
Major Teem will leave for China to catch back up with the Flame of Hope
in mid-September as he assumes his role as Final Leg Team Captain, coordinating
the Flame of Hope's journey thru China and into Shanghai. Forrest will
also make the trip to China in September and will serve as a Final Leg
Leader. Lt. Tommy Newman of the Raleigh Police Department will be the
NC Law Enforcement Torch Run representative running in the Final Leg.
Good Luck to the Global Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg participants
from North Carolina who will proudly pave the way for the 11 Special Olympics
North Carolina athletes who will compete in the Games Oct. 2-11! We'll
be watching!
Nominate a person to be featured in "Spotlight On" -Contact
Lisa Pleasants
at 1-800-843-6276, ext. 110.
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