10 Years of Cruiser Convoy!

 

This previous June, Particular Olympics Massachusetts celebrated their tenth yr of the Cruiser Convoy, an occasion that goes hand in hand with The Legislation Enforcement Torch Run^®. LETR is a year-round fundraising and consciousness constructing program, designed to permit members of the regulation enforcement group the chance to assist Particular Olympics athletes who reside, work and compete of their native communities. The Cruiser Convoy began right here in Massachusetts and now takes place each June at the side of Summer time Video games. Legislation Enforcement officers from everywhere in the state will begin at certainly one of three factors, every one representing the north, south and west. As these convoys drive in, all of them  converge at Boston School Legislation Faculty in Newton earlier than persevering with on to the Harvard Athletic Services in Allston. That is the place we host our Summer time Video games, and because the Legislation Enforcement automobiles arrive, they create one last line of automobiles and blast their lights and sirens in recognition of the accomplishments of the athletes. Following the convoy, the officers award medals and ribbons to the individuals within the Summer time Video games, touring to the six completely different competitors venues to share the enjoyment and happiness following the competitors. We’re completely satisfied to be celebrating 10 years of officers coming collectively to assist Particular Olympics by becoming a member of the convoy,  presenting medals, interacting with athletes and having fun with the Summer time Video games!

 

This yr, there have been over 180 cruisers within the convoy, elevating over ten thousand {dollars} for Particular Olympics Massachusetts!! Co-Administrators of the Govt Council for MA LETR: Retired Attleboro Chief of Police, Rick Pierce and Middleton Chief of Police, Jim DiGianvittorio began the Cruiser Convoy in 2007 after attending the Worldwide Legislation Enforcement Torch Run Convention held in Oklahoma Metropolis, OK . On the convention they realized about an occasion referred to as the “Truck Convoy to Profit Particular Olympics” which consisted of tractor trailer vehicles convoying throughout the state elevating funds and consciousness for Particular Olympics. From this occasion stemmed the concept of  switching tractor trailer vehicles with police cruisers, making an LETR Cruiser Convoy occasion the place cruisers from everywhere in the state may come collectively, elevating funds and consciousness for Particular Olympics. The Massachusetts LETR Cruiser Convoy is the one and solely cruiser convoy in the USA, and  the variety of cruisers has nearly doubled from the primary convoy in 2008 when there have been 95 cruisers, to this yr’s occasion which noticed 180 cruisers.  When requested why different police departments and volunteers ought to become involved with this occasion Rick Pierce acknowledged “This occasion helps different law enforcement officials all through the state to find out about Particular Olympics and people with mental disabilities. The officers get a possibility to work together with the athletes and their households at this occasion they usually get the chance to current medals to the athletes.  It additionally serves as a method for the officers to be taught extra concerning the LETR and gives them the chance to take part in different LETR fundraising occasions to profit Particular Olympics.”  In each elevating cash and consciousness for Particular Olympic Massachusetts, we’re completely satisfied to have a good time ten years of the Cruiser Convoy and problem you to become involved!

If you’re inquisitive about getting concerned, both as a part of the convoy if you’re in Legislation Enforcement or as a volunteer, please contact megan.hoffman@specialolympicsma.org or go to their web site www.masstorchrun.org to search out out extra about this wonderful occasion!