Hernandez to Represent USA in the 2011 World Games Final Leg

Louisville Metro Police Department officer Felipe Hernandez has been chosen to represent Kentucky and the USA in the Final Leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run in Athens, Greece, in June.  Officer Hernandez has been a long time supporter of Kentucky’s Law Enforcement Torch Run, presently serving as the Regional Coordinator for Region Four.  He will join almost 100 police officers from throughout the United States and over 35 countries in Athens this June for three weeks of Final Leg activities.  Ten Special Olympics athletes from throughout the world have been selected to join with these members of law enforcement as they run through communities in Greece to promote the 2011 World Summer Games and Special Olympics.

Every two years, law enforcement officers from around the world gather to carry the "Flame of Hope" in a Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg® in honor of the Special Olympics World Summer or World Winter Games. The Torch Run Final Leg is not only a salute to the athletes who compete in the Special Olympics World Games, but also an honor for the participating law enforcement officers who make up the Torch Run Final Leg Team.

The Final Leg starts when, in the ancient Olympic tradition, the flame for the Special Olympics World Games is ignited by the rays of the sun opposite the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. This symbolic flame, protected in miner’s lamps, travels to the site of the World Games, where law enforcement officers, representing their state, province or nation, act as “Guardians of the Flame” and carry the "Flame of Hope" (Special Olympics torch) to the Opening Ceremonies of the Games. 

Officer Hernandez will be on one of several regional running teams that will travel extensively in Greece and he will be required to run up to two five mile legs each day of the Final Leg.  Felipe said, “This is a dream come true for me and I am honored to represent my fellow officers, who work year round to ensure children and adults with intellectual disabilities have the opportunity to participate in Special Olympics."

You can help support Officer Hernandez in his Fial Leg experience by making a donation here

The Kentucky Law Enforcement Torch Run is celebrating its 25th Anniversary in 2011.  Its purpose is to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics programs and its athletes.  Kentucky’s Torch Run helped generate over $750,000 for programs in 2010 and has a goal to help raise $1,000,000 in 2011.