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On Wednesday, May 11, 2016, deputies and officers from California Highway Patrol, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s from Pitchess Detention Center and the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station will will participate in the Guardian of the Flame in the final leg of the 2016 Special Olympics Spring Regional Games.

Law enforcement officials will escort the Torch with the Flame of Hope from College of the Canyons down Valencia Blvd to the Sheriff’s Station up through the mall to end at Lazy Dog Cafe. At the conclusion of the run, Lazy Dog Café will be the host of our Sheriff’s Tip-A-Cop from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Deputies, Sergeants and a Commander will be servers and ask for donation on behalf of Special Olympics. All money raised stay here in our community to help offset the cost of sports equipment, uniforms and transportation for our local athletes.

More than 500 Special Olympic athletes will compete for gold, silver, and bronze medals at Special Olympics Santa Clarita Regional Spring Games on Saturday, May 14, 2016. The games will feature athletes from Antelope Valley, Kern County, Santa Barbara, South Bay, Southeast LA, Tri-Valley and Ventura County Regions. The public is invited to attend this free event and we are hoping to fill our stands who can cheer on the athletes as they compete in the sports of basketball, bocce and track. Basketball teams will include men’s, coed, and women’s.

“These games are a great community event that provides a fun environment for families to enjoy and experience the meaning of sportsmanship.” said Laura Mayo, Regional Director, Special Olympics Santa Clarita.

The Games will begin on Saturday, May 14 with the opening ceremony at 9 a.m. at Hart High School Track. The ceremony includes the traditional Parade of Athletes, the dramatic arrival of the Flame of Hope, and the lighting of the cauldron, which signifies the official start to the Games.

Special Olympics athletes will compete in basketball at Hart High School, West Ranch High School, and Boys and Girls Club, Bocce at Newhall Park and Track will be at Hart High School.

Gold, silver, and bronze medals and ribbons will be presented after competitions. This event is made possible with the help of 600 volunteers and with generous contributions from individuals and sponsors.

Special Olympics Southern California has been changing lives through the power of sport for more than 40 years and offers opportunities for children and adults with intellectual disabilities to participate in year-round sports training and competition. For more information about how to compete, coach or contribute, visit www.sosc.org/scvtv or contact us at 661.489.0540 or email Lmayo@sosc.org