San Luis to be on torch run route for Special Olympics

SAN LUIS, Ariz. — For the first time, this border city will be on the route of the annual torch run to Phoenix that kicks off the Arizona Special Olympics.

San Luis Police Detective Victor Figueroa said the city recently accepted an invitation from the Special Olympics state committee to take part in the run that has traditionally started in Yuma but bypassed San Luis.

“We consider it to be a good cause. We know that every year there are people from San Luis who compete in Special Olympics. We don't know how many, but it is important that we show them our support.”

In an event modeled after the torch runs that launch the International Olympics, Arizona law enforcement officers start from various corners of the state and run in respective relays to Phoenix, where they all link up in what is the kickoff of the Special Olympic games.

This year's games are scheduled to take place April 20-26. Still to be determined is how San Luis fits into the route of the torch run, the date the torch will pass through the city and the route it will follow inside city limits.

Meanwhile, San Luis police are planning and organizing a variety of events aimed at raising funds in benefit of Special Olympics as well as promoting community involvement in the games.

Among the events police are planning are a boxing tournament among area law enforcement officers, a youth boxing event and a race, all scheduled to take place in March. Funds will be raised from registration fees for competitors as well as public admission to attend the events.

The border city's participation in Special Olympics comes at the same time it is hosting its first Relay for Life, a fundraising walk that benefits the American Cancer Society. That relay is scheduled to take place March 15 and 16 in the Joe Orduno Park in San Luis.