Torch run set for Hilo and Kona 03-30-05

HAWAII COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT
SOUTH HILO PATROL DIVISION
SERGEANT DARREN HORIO
PHONE: 961-2213
MARCH 30, 2005

MEDIA RELEASE

The First Hawaiian Bank “Troy Barboza” Law Enforcement Torch Run 2005 will be held on Saturday, April 16, in Hilo and Sunday, April 17, in Kona to help raise funds for and public awareness of the Hawaii Special Olympics.

Big Island police officers, joined by various law enforcement agencies, will hold the run and walk to benefit the annual Special Olympics games.

In Hilo, a two-mile torch run and one-mile walk will be held at 8 a.m. April 16, just before the Special Olympics track and field games begin at 9 a.m. at the Hilo High School Track.

The torch run will start at the Hilo police station and go through downtown Hilo. The route will go down Kapiolani and Hualalai Streets, proceed down Pauahi Street, turn left on Kamehameha Avenue and then go up Waianuenue Avenue to Hilo High School.

The walk will also begin at the station, but will take a more direct route along Kapiolani Street to the high school.

Once at the school, the entire group will conduct a one-lap jog around the high school track.

In Kona, a two-mile run and one-mile walk will be held at 9 a.m. April 17 before a Special Olympics Powerlifting meet at “The Club” on Palani Road.

The torch run will start at the First Hawaiian Bank, Lanihau Branch on Palani Road, proceed down Palani Road and onto Alii Drive until Huggo’s Restaurant, turn around and return to The Club.

A one-mile walk will also start at First Hawaiian Bank, follow the runners on Alii Drive and turn around by Hulihee Palace and return to The Club.

In both Hilo and Kona, the torch will be passed to a Special Olympics athlete to signal the start of the games. Short ceremonies will follow.

Hawaii law enforcement personnel have been carrying the “flame of hope” throughout the islands since 1986. This event is held annually in every state and in over forty other countries around the world raising over 13 million annually for Special Olympics. In Hawaii, the torch run is named in honor of Troy Barboza, a Honolulu police officer who was killed in the line of duty in 1987 who had devoted his free time to teaching and coaching Special Olympians.

Entry fees for the run and walk are $20, which entitles participants to a commemorative Torch Run T-shirt or tank top. Registration forms may be picked up at any of the police stations or First Hawaiian Bank branches around the island. Non-participants who want to contribute to the Special Olympics may purchase the shirts at the same price. Long Sleeve shirts for $25 and 3XL shirts for $22 ($27 for the long sleeve) are also available.

Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults of mental retardation.

Anyone who wants more information on the Troy Barboza Law Enforcement Torch Run can contact Lieutenant James O’Connor or Sergeant Darren Horio at 961-2213 for the Hilo event and Officer Walter Ah Mow at 326-4646 for the Kona event.

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