Special Olympics Torch Run

ORONO – Tuesday, June 3, through Friday, June 6, mark the dates of the 23rd annual Maine Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Maine.

More than 500 police officers are taking part, carrying the Flame of Hope from Kittery and Madawaska to the opening ceremonies of the 40th annual Special Olympics Summer Games at the University of Maine.

The Torch Run is an International series of relays run by members of law enforcement leading up to each state’s and each country’s summer games. Officers raise money in conjunction with their respective runs for their local Special Olympics program.

The torch run began in 1981 in Wichita, Kan., when Chief Richard LaMunyon saw a need to show his officers in a positive light out in the community. The run was such a success that he presented his idea to the International Chiefs of Police Association the next year. It spread like wildfire.

Chief Robert Bell of Bridgton heard about the idea and began a run here in Maine in 1985. Today the torch run takes place in all 50 states and in more than 100 countries.

In addition to the actual run, officers hold numerous other fundraising events throughout the year for Special Olympics. Last year the Torch Run raised more than $120,000 for Special Olympics Maine and since its inception has raised more than $1 million.

The run began in South Berwick on June 3 and in Kittery, Madawaska and Fort Kent on June 4. Officers ran on main roads, side roads and highways. The legs of the run varied in length from 3 miles to more than 70 miles. For more information about the run, call Lisa Bird at 839-5578 or 879-0489.

Special Olympics is a year-round athletic training and competition program for people of all ages with intellectual disabilities.

In Maine, more than 2,500 athletes are involved. Events take place on local and state level throughout the entire year. There is no off season. Special Olympics Maine summer games will take place June 6-8 at the University of Maine.

Tennis camps in Orono

ORONO – The Orono Parks and Recreation Department is accepting registrations for its Advantage Tennis Camp.

This camp is for anyone ages 7 and older of any skill level. Camp is 11/2 hours per day for one week with times depending on age and skill level.

Session I is July 7-11, and Session II July 28-Aug. 1.

The fee for the camp is $30 for Orono and Veazie residents and $40 for others. There is a $10 late fee after June 23.

For information, contact the recreation office at 866-5065.

Award in recreation

HAMPDEN – The Maine Recreation and Park Association presented Shirley Abbott of the Hampden Recreation Department with the Distinguished Young Professional Award at the association’s annual conference on May 1 in Portland.

Abbott, of Brewer, has served as assistant recreation director in Hampden since 2002. Town officials credit her with being a creative, organized, hardworking and dedicated individual who has made a positive impact on the community.

Abbott has served on several association committees, including as co-chairwoman of the spring conference committee. She has assisted at three statewide competitions – Hershey Track and Field, Hot Shot, and Pitch, Hit and Run.

Orono rec activities

ORONO – These summer activities have been scheduled by the Orono Parks and Recreation Department:

. Red Riot Track Club, open to children ages 6 to 14. Club practices are held twice each week with meets on Thursdays. The cost of the program is $45 for Orono residents, $55 others.

. Sticks for Kids golf clinic for children in grades three through eight, June 24-27. Sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders meet 9:30 a.m.-noon. Third-, fourth- and fifth-graders meet 12:30-3 p.m. The fee is $30 for Orono residents, $40 others.

. Orono 14th annual basketball school for children in grades three through nine. Youngsters in grades three through six participate 9 a.m.-noon. Children in grades six through nine participate 1-4 p.m. Children in grade six may choose either session or both. Boys week will be June 23-27 and girls week is July 7-11. The fee is $75 per session or $130 all day (sixth grade).

. Hip Hop Club, June 23-27, a one-week camp in which participants learn basic hip-hop movements and fun combinations and tricks. Children in grades six through nine attend 10 a.m.-noon. Children in grades three through five attend 1-3 p.m. The fee is $60 per participant.

For more information about these activities or to register, call the recreation office at 866-5065.

Benefit golf scramble

BANGOR – Andrea and Brian Lee will be the hosts for the sixth annual Golf Scramble on Saturday, June 28, at Bangor Municipal Golf Course to benefit Penobscot Area Special Olympics.

The mission of Special Olympics is to provide children and adults with intellectual and physical disabilities in Penobscot County with sports training and the opportunity to participate in athletic competitions.

To donate, make checks payable to: Penobscot Area Special Olympics Golf, c/o Carol Ryan, Treasurer, P.O. Box 215, Holden 04429.