RUPD runs for Special Olympics, continues tradition

By Josh Rutenberg     7/29/10 7:00pm

The Rice University Police Department has gone the distance once again. For the 11th consecutive year, RUPD officers participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics Texas games.Law enforcement officers from across the state carried a lit torch through various Texas cities from May 26 to 28, leading up to the May 28 opening ceremony of the Special Olympics Texas games, which were hosted at the University of Texas Arlington. The torch run serves as an opportunity for officers to raise awareness and fundraise for the Special Olympics.

RUPD officers participated in a torch run that began in Galveston, one of five torch runs taking place in different areas of the state. All five torch runs met at the University of Texas Arlington to kick off this year's games by lighting the opening ceremony torch and holding a dance for volunteers and participants on the football fields.

During the torch run, officers took turns running the torch and were supported by fellow officers running in columns and accompanying runners in cars along the way.

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"We go to different cities and we run through the main street," Sergeant Sandra Zwahr said. "We run from a mile to 2.5 miles."

Chief Bill Taylor said there is not a set amount to how far an officer can run, though he tries to run a leg in every city.

The games have previously been held at either UT Arlington or Texas State University in San Marcos. RUPD first became involved in the torch run and Special Olympics program in 1999, when Rice hosted Special Olympics Texas. Taylor, who had previously been involved with the Special Olympics program in Arizona and Missouri before joining the Rice community in 1999, encouraged RUPD to volunteer in the program. He has continued to participate every year since.

"It's close to my heart and I enjoy the opportunity to help raise money so the athletes can participate," Taylor said. He said between five and six RUPD officers participate each year.

Once officers start volunteering in the program, they get hooked, Taylor said.

Zwahr said she first became hooked on the program four years ago.

"I was told how much fun it was," Zwahr said. "One day I did get to meet one of the athletes. You build lasting relationships. It just inspired me."

RUPD had been preparing for the event all year by holding fundraisers and spreading awareness of the Special Olympics program. Officer Ruth Maxwell spearheaded RUPD's fundraisers, and she was supported with time volunteered by several RUPD officers.

One of RUPD's most visible fundraisers occurs in the spring, when visitors to Sammy's and 13th Street can donate to the Special Olympics program. Those who donate receive a paper torch to write their name on, which Sammy and 13th Street display on their walls for the entire semester.

In addition to raising money through the paper torches, RUPD also sells torch run T-shirts personalized with the Rice University emblem on an availability basis. At RiceFest, an annual health services event, RUPD raised $1,500 for Special Olympics from T-shirt sales alone, and raised $3,000 overall for the program.

Last November, RUPD raised donations by teaming up with other law enforcement to escort a truck convoy staged out of the Sam Houston Racetrack. Taylor said the event is billed as the "world's largest truck convoy," and truck drivers could enter the convoy at $100 per vehicle. RUPD also raffled off a horse statue donated by the Houston Rodeo.

"Everything we raise goes directly to athletes for training and equipment," Taylor said.

Officers also volunteer their time in Tip-a-Cop, a program in which officers put out fliers and wait tables at local restaurants. A Special Olympics athlete assists the officers waiting tables and talks to customers about the Special Olympics program and the sport they compete in.

All tips earned go toward fundraising for the Special Olympics program.

"We serve water and tea or bring rolls," Zwahr said. "Anything a waiter or waitress would do." At the end of the night, customers can also donate money in envelopes laid out on the tables.

Texas held its first Special Olympics games in 1969 with 350 athletes competing in 10 track and field events. Special Olympics Texas now has more than 36,000 athletes competing in 22 events that range from cycling to golf to sailing. The Texas Law Enforcement Torch Run began in 1985 and raised more than $11 million for Special Olympics Texas in donations over the past decade.

Taylor said the most rewarding part of Special Olympics is working with the athletes.

"What really gets to you is when [athletes] finish an event and they're so excited," Taylor said. "You hug them and congratulate them and hang the medals on their necks. It's a very fulfilling thing to do.

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