SAN DIEGO, May 28, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- MEDIA ALERT --
WHAT: Witness the U.S. start of the 1,600-mile 2002 Law Enforcement
Torch Run for Special Olympics Southern California at the
U.S.-Mexico border in San Ysidro. At the border, the Torch
Run Flame of Hope will be passed from Mexican law enforcement
agencies in an international ceremony with their U.S.
counterparts. This marks the only international Law
Enforcement Torch Run exchange that takes place in the world.
This will officially begin the relay.
More than 4,000 officers from 250 Southern California police
departments are participating in this year's Torch Run.
Together, they will cover the 1,600-mile trek through 250
cities.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest grass roots fund-
raiser and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics in
the world. Since its inception in 1981, more than 75,000 law
enforcement officers from thousands of agencies have carried
the Flame of Hope. Law enforcement officers from every state
and from more than 40 countries carry the Flame of Hope in
honor of Special Olympics athletes.
The 2001 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics
Southern California raised more than $362,000. This year,
organizers hope to raise more than $600,000. Monies raised by
law enforcement through the Torch Run go to support local
Special Olympians in the communities in which the funds have
been raised.
WHEN: Tuesday, June 4, 2002 at 7:50 a.m.
Note: it is best to arrive at 7:50 a.m. to allow for a
mandatory border patrol escort into the news conference
area. The news conference venue is a U.S. government-
restricted site.
WHERE: U.S.-Mexico border crossing in San Ysidro, California
(directions and dedicated event parking are available).
Conference will take place in restricted area of roadway.
PRESENTATION:
* At the border ceremony, more than 30 Mexican law enforcement
officers will complete their relay from Mexico, and will
pass the torch to more than 40 U.S. law enforcement officers
who will start the U.S. portion of the relay run immediately
after the ceremony.
* San Diego Police Chief David DeJarano will make remarks.
* A representative of law enforcement in Mexico will speak.
* San Luis Obispo Police Chief & Southern California Torch Run
Director, Jim Gardiner will speak.
* Special Olympics representatives and athletes from the U.S.
and Mexico will be present.
* Representing Cal Fed Bank -- the Presenting Sponsor of the
Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Southern
California - increasingly well-known ad spokesperson Elvis
Schmiedekamp will make a check presentation to Special
Olympics.
* Interview opportunities are available with all event
participants.
SPONSORS: Presented by Cal Fed Bank, the 2002 Law Enforcement Torch
Run is also being sponsored by Cingular Wireless, Claim
Jumper Restaurants, Carquest, Red Lobster Restaurants
and Pepsi.