MEDIA ADVISORY

The San José Police Department will raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Northern California (SONC) by participating in the 2025 Law Enforcement Torch Run on Friday, June 27, 2025. SJPD's leg of the Torch Run will run throughout The City of San José and then continue to Santa Clara where it will be turned over to Santa Clara Police Department.

The Torch Run features more than 3,500 law enforcement personnel from hundreds of local agencies carrying the Special Olympics Flame of Hope throughout Northern California. This year the Torch Run will culminate June 27-29, 2025, at the SONC Summer Games in Santa Clara at Santa Clara University. The Opening Ceremony of the Summer Games will be held on June 27, 2025, at 7pm at Santa Clara University.

The Summer Games will feature 4 sports with over 1000 athletes, coaches, volunteers, and fans coming together in the spirit of inclusion. For more information or to volunteer, go to SONC.org. The Northern California Torch Run began in 1996 and has raised more than $20 million for Special Olympics through the run itself, plus multiple other fundraisers throughout the year. Visit the Special Olympics Northern California website for more details.

About San José Police Department
SJPD has been involved with the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics (LETR) for over 25 years. The Department has a small committee comprised of sworn and professional staff who plan various fundraising events such as Tip-A-Cop, Polar Plunge, Police in Pursuit, LETR, and other events. They also participate in coaching for Special Olympics and hand out medals at the various sporting events. These events build bridges and friendships between some of the most vulnerable and marginalized members of our community with Law Enforcement, and stronger bonds within our community. For more information to see what is happening or to see ways you can help click on the 2025 Law Enforcement Torch Run site. 

About Special Olympics Northern California (SONC)
Special Olympics Northern California is dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with intellectual disabilities through inclusive sports, education, leadership, and health programs. The 501(c)3 nonprofit organization offers free year-round training and competition programs for more than 31,000 participants. On school campuses, Special Olympics NorCal impacts more than 130,000 school-aged students by promoting inclusion through the Unified Champion Schools Program. Special Olympics NorCal is also committed to improving the overall health and well-being of individuals with intellectual disabilities through health programs and leadership training.