Law agencies help Special Olympics

To the editor:

The purpose of this letter is to recognize the outstanding efforts of the Cape Girardeau Police Department, Scott County Sheriff's Department and Mineral Area College Department of Public Safety.

Your readers may not be aware of the impact law enforcement makes on the Special Olympics. Hundreds of agencies work year around to help raise the necessary funds to provide sports training and competition programs for 13,960 children and adults with mental disabilities in Missouri.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run raises funds and awareness for the Special Olympics around the world. Missouri's run was recognized as the fifth largest grossing program in the world. This is a grassroots effort that requires cooperative teamwork between law enforcement agencies. Special Olympics Missouri's torch run reached a phenomenal goal for 2004, raising over $1 million. One-third of these funds came from the sale of torch run T-shirts.

One hundred seventy-three agencies from around the state helped SOMO this year, including those from your area. They are to be commended for their strong belief in supporting their communities and the individuals within them. It is through their efforts that SOMO is able to provide an opportunity for our athletes to experience the thrills and accomplishments that participation in sports can bring, free of charge.

Thank you for the opportunity to express our gratitude to the Missouri Law Enforcement Torch Run, which makes a difference in other people's lives. This is something we can all be proud of.

MARK C. MUSSO, President, Special Olympics Missouri, Jefferson City, Mo.