Community Corner

Arlington Police Inspector Carries Flame of Hope in Special Olympics Torch Run

The Law Enforcement Torch Run brings together police officers and other public safety personnel from across the state.

ARLINGTON, MA — Inspector Caitlyn O'Malley of the Arlington Police Department recently completed the Special Olympics Massachusetts Law Enforcement Torch Run, representing the department during the week-long event that supports Special Olympics athletes across the Commonwealth.

The Torch Run took participants across Massachusetts from Monday, June 1 through the Summer Games Opening Ceremony on Friday, June 5, carrying the Flame of Hope and helping raise awareness for Special Olympics programs. Law enforcement officers from departments throughout the state participated in the annual event, which serves as one of the largest public awareness and fundraising efforts benefiting Special Olympics Massachusetts.

Along the route, runners stopped at police academies, local businesses, and communities across Massachusetts. The event gave participants opportunities to meet residents, promote inclusion, and celebrate the accomplishments of Special Olympics athletes.

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The final leg of the run concluded at the Special Olympics Massachusetts Summer Games Opening Ceremony, where the Flame of Hope was carried into the event to mark the start of the competition.

According to Special Olympics Massachusetts, the Law Enforcement Torch Run brings together police officers and other public safety personnel from across the state to support athletes with intellectual disabilities and raise funds for year-round sports training and competition programs.

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Arlington police officials said they are proud of O'Malley for representing the department during the event and helping advance the mission of inclusion throughout Massachusetts.

"We are incredibly proud of Inspector O'Malley for representing the Arlington Police Department in this meaningful event and for helping keep the Flame of Hope burning bright across Massachusetts," the department said. "Thank you for your dedication to supporting inclusion and making a positive impact both within our community and across the Commonwealth."

The Special Olympics Massachusetts Summer Games are among the organization's largest annual events, bringing together hundreds of athletes from across the state to compete in a variety of sports. The Law Enforcement Torch Run serves as a signature lead-up to the games each year, with officers carrying the Flame of Hope through communities across Massachusetts before arriving at the opening ceremony.

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