Carpino Helps Kick Off Special Olympics Torch Run

State Rep. Christie Carpino, R-Cromwell, who represents Cromwell, Middletown and Portland, helped a couple of hundred police and correction officers kick off their annual Law Enforcement Torch Run benefiting Special Olympics on Thursday.

Carpino, who represents the 32nd General Assembly District, has a longstanding relationship with Special Olympics Connecticut, organizing and volunteering at events year round as well as promoting the organization’s mission.

The event, held at the Marriott conference center in Farmington, attracted officers from throughout the state. Carpino sat alongside athletes and organizers as they were introduced to this year’s corporate sponsors, fundraising award winners and hall of fame inductees.

Organizers used the organizational kick-off to provide officers with ideas for not only fundraising, but also methods for promoting the event, Special Olympics and their communities.

“These officers are the Guardians of the Flame. They understand how important Special Olympics is in the lives of our athletes and their families,” said Carpino, who recently worked at a Penguin Plunge fundraiser in Middletown. “Athletes throughout this state depend on their efforts, and over the years these men and women have accepted that challenge. I’m proud to work alongside them.”

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is scheduled for June 8, 9 and 10, and marks the event’s 25th anniversary. More than 2,000 athletes are expected to participate. Carpino has helped organize the run's leg through her district, culminating with a torch-lighting on the Capitol steps.