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2023 New Mexico Law Enforcement Torch Run Guardians of the Flame State Conference Recap

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On Feb. 2 – 3, 2023, more than 80 New Mexico Law Enforcement Torch Run (NMLETR) agency coordinators from over 30 public safety departments across New Mexico gathered at the Clyde Hotel in Albuquerque for the 2023 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Guardians of the Flame State Conference. The NMLETR state conference was hosted by Bernalillo County Fire Department, featuring the inaugural NMLETR Miners Lamp presentation, the inaugural Conference Torch Run, and a poker/bingo fundraising tournament. 

The state conference training sessions featured two presenters: Retired Albuquerque Police Department Lieutenant Ferris Simmons, and Cynthia Macluskie with the Autism Society of Arizona, who informed and educated our agency coordinators on developing important communication skills and safe engagement with children and adults with intellectual disabilities (ID). Our Be Safe presentation partnered nearly 20 Special Olympics New Mexico athletes with our attending agency coordinators to educate both groups on positive interactions outside of Special Olympics activities between the intellectual and developmental disability population and public safety officers.

The conference concluded with the annual Agency Milestone Dinner and Awards Presentation, where agencies that raised multiple levels of funds last year from their community policing activities were honored and recognized. Four agencies were recipients of our Legend Milestone Award (over $20,000): Las Cruces Police Department, Rio Rancho Police Department, Lea County Sheriff’s Office, and Farmington Police Department. Additional agency milestones included: Gold (over $8,000): Otero County Prison Facility and Bernalillo County Fire Department; Silver (over $4,000): Albuquerque Police Department, Lovington Police Department, IGUA 69, Bosque Farms Police Department, and Valencia County Sheriff’s Office; Bronze (over $1,000): Los Alamos Police Department, Eunice Police Department, New Mexico Probation and Parole- Albuquerque, Santa Fe Police Department, Curry County Sheriff’s Office, NM Probation- Clovis, Hobbs Police Department, Taos County Sheriff’s Office, Belen Police Department, Los Lunas Police Department, Carlsbad Police Department, US Probation, Sandoval County Fire Department, Espanola Police Department, and Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office. 

 

Special Olympics staff capped the awards presentation by announcing a total of $416,951 raised by law enforcement agencies through various community policing activities.

 

We want to extend a huge thank you to all of the local sponsors of the 2023 Guardians of the Flame State Conference: ABQ Orthodontics, Admiral Beverage, All-In-Autographs, Amber Care, Brown & Associates, Calvary Church, Cabela’s, Champion Car Wash, Chick-fil-A, Chuze Fitness, Dion’s, Duke City CrossFit, El Pinto, Firehouse Subs, French Funerals, Frontline Coalition, Fully Promoted, Holiday Lanes, Iron Core Electric, Isotopes, Jenell Pagan, MK Consultant, Main Event, Maple Paintbrush, Moody & Sanford Law, My Gym NM, Nusenda Credit Union, Peak Nutrition, Regal Cinema, Renew Med Spa & Cryotherapy, Rio Grande Travel, Rudy’s, Sandia Casino, Sandia Laboratory FCU, Silva Lanes, Spinello DCS, Starbucks, Steelbender, Stixon Labels, The Fitness Superstore, Top Golf, USA Pickleball, Vernon’s, Vintage, Western Crafts, and Zona Rosa.

Thank you to our statewide and year-round sponsors: Albertsons Market, Chili’s Grill & Bar, Centerra, Chavez Grieves Engineering Consultants, Advance Auto Parts, Spyder Ryder of America, Brycon Construction, Old Town Catering Company, Restoration Pizza, and New Mexico True.

On behalf of our New Mexico Law Enforcement Torch Run Executive Committee we would like to congratulate all of our agency coordinators on a remarkable year, and special thanks to our local and state sponsors for helping kick off 2023.

 

Press Release: SONM Announces Team New Mexico Delegation for the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games

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Special Olympics New Mexico Announces Delegation for the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games

20 Special Olympics Athletes and Unified Partners from New Mexico to Compete in Orlando, Florida

 

March 10, 2022 – Albuquerque, New Mexico: Special Olympics New Mexico is proud to announce that it will send a 36-member delegation, including 20 Special Olympics athletes and Unified Partners, to represent New Mexico at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, held June 5–12, 2022, in Orlando, Florida.

Team New Mexico is comprised of 18 athletes, 2 Unified partners, 5 coaches, 1 Athlete Input Council member, 2 Unified Champion Schools® students, and 8 staff. The delegation will compete in 5 of the 19 Olympic-type sports offered at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, including: Track & Field, Bocce, Bowling, Golf, and Swimming.

 

Note: The full roster for Team Special Olympics New Mexico is available on our website: https://sonm.org/about/2022usagames/

“It is such an honor and privilege to represent New Mexico at USA Games,” said Abe Assaad, Special Olympics athlete competing in Track & Field at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. “I love to meet a lot of people and make new friends and my goal is to win a medal and represent New Mexico and Special Olympics athletes in the best way.”

The Special Olympics USA Games, which is hosted every four years, will mark the largest humanitarian event in Florida’s history. The event will unite more than 5,500 athletes and coaches from all 50 states and the Caribbean. Over 10,000 volunteers will fill more than 20,000 volunteer shifts during the week. It is anticipated over 125,000 families, friends and spectators will witness the inspiring athletic accomplishments in 19 Olympic-style team and individual sports and more than 30 events at world-class venues across Orlando, centered at ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World Resort.

Attending the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games is extra special for Special Olympics New Mexico as New Mexico was the only state unable to attend the 2018 USA Games due to a loss in funding. Special Olympics New Mexico has not sent a team to USA Games since 2014.

Athletes, Unified partners, and coaches were selected for Team New Mexico based on their event scores from previous competitions.

“Sending Special Olympics athletes from New Mexico to the USA Games will be one of the greatest sports experiences of their lives,” said Special Olympics New Mexico Executive Director Randy Mascorella.  “They will get to the Games well-trained and prepared to do their very best.  They will march into Opening Ceremonies representing all New Mexicans, and they will accept the medals they win with pride.  Let’s celebrate not only their accomplishments but also celebrate who they are and the value they bring to us every day.”

 

About the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games

The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games is scheduled for June 5-12, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. Jersey Mike’s Subs is the Presenting Partner, and the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games is hosted by Disney. During this magical week, more than 5,500 athletes and coaches from all 50 states and the Caribbean will travel to Florida to unite in one of the country’s most cherished sporting events. The USA Games is hosted once every four years and showcases 19 Olympic-style team and individual sports and 30 events throughout the week including forums and VIP receptions. Website: www.2022usagames.org

 

About Special Olympics New Mexico

 

Special Olympics New Mexico provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community. Today, Special Olympics New Mexico serves more than 3,700 athletes, offering training and competition in 12 sports. Special Olympics New Mexico is sponsored year-round and state-wide by New Mexico True, Law Enforcement Torch Run, Chick-fil-A, Legacy Church, Chevrolet, BlueCross BlueShield of New Mexico, Rudy’s “Country Store and Bar-B-Q”, and Delta Dental. Learn more about Special Olympics New Mexico at: https://sonm.org

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Press Release: Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving

For graphics or to arrange interviews contact Kyle Potvin, kpotvin@splashllc.com, 917-838-4500. View/download b-roll.

 

Give to Give: Help Send Special Olympics New Mexico Athletes to the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games

Jersey Mike’s 12th Annual “Month of Giving” Celebrates Special Olympics Athletes Nationwide

 

Albuquerque, Feb. 28, 2022 – The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games is joining forces with  Jersey Mike’s Subs locations throughout New Mexico for its 12th Annual “Month of Giving” campaign. During the month of March, customers can make a donation at any Jersey Mike’s restaurant to help local Team New Mexico athletes and support the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, held June 5-12, in Orlando, Fla. Athletes from across the United States will compete in 19 sports including athletics, bowling, swimming, golf, bocce, and many more.

The Month of Giving campaign will culminate with Jersey Mike’s “Day of Giving” on Wednesday, March 30, when local Jersey Mike’s restaurants will give 100 percent of the day’s sales – not just profit – to the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games and the local state Programs attending the USA Games.

For the first time in the 12-year history of Month of Giving, Jersey Mike’s owners and operators nationwide will support a single cause. The company hopes to surpass last year’s record-breaking $15 million raised for charity. Jersey Mike’s Month of Giving has raised more than $47 million for local charities since it began in 2011.

“We’ve been involved with Special Olympics since 1975, and it is an honor for Jersey Mike’s to be the presenting partner of the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games,” said Peter Cancro, Jersey Mike’s founder and CEO. “We support the organization’s mission to foster inclusivity, and help its athletes shine on and off the field. I invite everyone to join us and celebrate our country’s Special Olympics athletes during Month of Giving.”

Every four years, more than 5,500 athletes and coaches from all 50 states unite to compete in one of the most beloved and inspiring sporting events in the US – the Special Olympics USA Games. It is all part of a global movement using sports to end discrimination and empower people with intellectual disabilities. Jersey Mike’s is the presenting sponsor of the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games.

Throughout March, customers can make donations through the Jersey Mike’s mobile app or in-store. On Day of Giving, Jersey Mike’s restaurants will donate their resources and every single dollar that comes in – whether in-store, on-line or through the app – to the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games and the local Special Olympics State Programs attending the USA Games.

For a list of participating restaurants in your area please visit our location listing by state.

 

About Jersey Mike’s

Jersey Mike’s Subs, with more than 2,000 locations nationwide, serves authentic fresh sliced/fresh grilled subs on in-store freshly baked bread — the same recipe it started with in 1956. Passion for giving in Jersey Mike’s local communities is reflected in its mission statement “Giving…making a difference in someone’s life.” For more information, please visit jerseymikes.com or follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/jerseymikes), Instagram (instagram.com/jerseymikes), and Twitter (twitter.com/jerseymikes.com).

 

About Special Olympics USA Games

The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games is scheduled for June 5-12, 2022, in Orlando, Fla.

Jersey Mike’s Subs is the Presenting Partner, and the event is hosted by Disney. During this magical week, more than 5,500 athletes and coaches from all 50 states and the Caribbean will travel to Florida to unite in one of the country’s most cherished sporting events. The USA Games is hosted once every four years and showcases 19 Olympic-style team and individual sports and 30 events throughout the week including forums and VIP receptions. For more information, please visit www.2022USAGames.org or follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsUSAGames), Instagram (instagram.com/specialolympicsusagames), and Twitter (twitter.com/2022USAGames).

Logo + SmileGen

Join us for the 2021 Posole Olé Virtual Fun Walk

We have officially kicked off the Posole Olé Virtual Fun Walk! Please register and complete your Fun Walk any time between now and December 4, 2021. Join us in celebrating the beginning of the holiday season, New Mexico style! This is a great team fundraiser as 50% of your team’s revenue is shared back to your local program. See below for registration details and deadlines!

The 2021 Posole Olé Virtual Fun Walk is presented by: The Smile Generation

REGISTER:

Posole Olé Webpage

VIRTUAL POSOLE OLE FUN WALK:
Complete your walk any time the weekend of December 4!
T-shirts are available to those who fundraise $50 or more!
**CASH RAISED IS DUE TO THE STATE OFFICE BY MONDAY, DECEMBER 6**

T-SHIRT DEADLINE:
Wednesday, November 24 (sizes will not be guaranteed after this date!)

PRIZES:
We will be offering prizes to the top three individual fundraisers, team fundraisers, as well as offering additional raffle items to athletes who fundraise.

QUESTIONS/INFO:
Reach out to Brittany Scanlon at brittany@sonm.org with any questions!

SONM Winter Virtual Games 2021 logo feature image size

Special Olympics New Mexico will hold its Winter Virtual Games Drive-thru Awards on Saturday, March 27

Special Olympics New Mexico will hold its Winter Virtual Games Drive-thru Awards on Saturday, March 27
Special Olympics New Mexico celebrates the 199 Special Olympics athletes across the state who trained and competed during the 2021 Winter Virtual Games season

Who:  Special Olympics New Mexico (SONM) Area 5 athletes who competed in the Winter Virtual Games will pick up their awards packets at the SONM State Office on Saturday, March 27. SONM Area 5 includes Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and surrounding cities. SONM athletes in Areas 1-4 will be receiving their awards at other locations per their Area Director’s direction.

What: The SONM Winter Virtual Games season was held January 18 through March 15, 2021. SONM athletes who registered for the competition season were eligible to compete in up to four events out of fifteen events. Some events were geared towards poly hockey skills and other events focused on general fitness. A total of 199 Special Olympics athletes across New Mexico trained and competed. SONM Athletes who competed in the Winter Virtual Games will receive an awards packet that includes a certificate, medal, and Winter Virtual Games t-shirt.

When: The Area 5 Drive-thru Awards will be held on Saturday, March 27, between 9 AM and 11 AM.

Where: The SONM State Office/NMAA Building parking lot, located at 6600 Palomas Ave. NE, Albuquerque NM 87109. Please see the attached map for information on the flow of traffic through the parking lot during the Drive-thru awards.

Why: It is time to celebrate the accomplishments of Special Olympics New Mexico athletes who have been training since January 18 for the SONM Winter Virtual Games!

Additional Information & Disclaimer: Each person who attends the SONM Winter Virtual Games Drive-thru Awards must adhere to the current New Mexico Public Health Order including wearing a face covering over nose and mouth and practicing social distancing. If you are experiencing symptoms including fever, chills, shortness of breath, or coughing, please stay at home.

 

New Mexico Law Enforcement Torch Run Announces Modified State Relay Run to be held May 29

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Law Enforcement Torch Run announces Modified State Relay Run to be held May 29

Albuquerque, New Mexico: Under the guidance of local and state health orders, the New Mexico Law Enforcement Torch Run (NMLETR) program for Special Olympics announces plans to host a Modified State Relay Run on Friday, May 29.
Despite the cancellation of the Special Olympics New Mexico (SONM) State Summer Games, law enforcement officers in the Albuquerque area will run the torch in stages into the Albuquerque Civic Plaza using social distancing guidelines, all in support of Special Olympics athletes around the state. “This is a remarkable opportunity for law enforcement agencies across the state to execute a modified version of our traditional relay run in support of Special Olympics,” said LETR State Director Ben Sanchez. “It’s important to all of us to keep the LETR State Relay Run tradition alive and to bring hope to Special Olympics athletes during this challenging time they are facing.”
The Modified State Relay Run will consist of a small team of runners (up to five total) plus a support vehicle covering 1-3 miles along assigned routes, independent of other agency routes. Each team member runs alone and symbolically “passes the torch” off at designated and socially distant points. The Modified State Relay Run will end in the Albuquerque Civic Plaza where a designated officer will light the Special Olympics cauldron.
LETR and Special Olympics supporters are encouraged to tune in on Facebook @NMLETR and @SpecialOlympicsNM the morning of May 29 to watch portions of the Modified State Relay Run online. People who would like to support this year’s Modified State Relay Run can text #LETRMiles4Hope to 44321 to donate.
Traditionally, over 60 law enforcement agencies—representing municipal, county, state, and tribal public safety officers—run and bike 1,600 miles across New Mexico culminating at the Special Olympics New Mexico State Summer Games in Albuquerque throughout May, leading up to the SONM State Summer Games. This year on May 29, the Modified State Relay Run will be held across the state as LETR agencies around New Mexico are encouraged to host their own modified relay run.
Agencies that are unable to participate in a modified state relay run have been invited to participate in the following alternative LETR activities over the next two months:
  • Host a Virtual Meet & Greet: Officers inform, educate, engage and inspire local citizens.
  • Visit Athlete Neighborhoods: Officers coordinate with SONM parents/guardians to pass by neighborhoods where athletes reside.
  • Post a workout video or encouragement video: Officers provide short videos of workouts to help keep SONM athletes active. Other officers post videos including words of encouragement for SONM athletes during this time when SONM practices and competitions are cancelled.

Boilerplate:

The New Mexico Law Enforcement Torch Run is a community-building organization that promotes and empowers New Mexico law enforcement agencies to raise awareness and funds year-round for Special Olympics New Mexico, while providing opportunities, encouragement, and hope to SONM athletes and families in the process. In New Mexico, LETR is proudly presented by Wells Fargo. Additional community partners include: Pic Quik (Las Cruces), Rio Grande Credit Union, Illumination Works LLC, Bosque Brewing Company, Centerra, Brycon Construction, Duke City Gladiators, CARQUEST Auto Parts (statewide) and Penfold Live.

Southwest Border Battle to be held May 4 through June 14, 2020

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Special Olympics athletes: The Southwest Border Battle is a virtual challenge that will be held May 4-June 14, 2020 and we want you to be part of it! This is a multi-state collaboration engaging Special Olympics athletes through wellness. During this 6-week challenge we will focus on 7 areas of wellness: physical, emotional, social, intellectual, environmental, financial, and spiritual. Each day will bring you a new challenge to complete. It’s not too late to join the challenge! Join our Facebook Group today!

Special Olympics New Mexico extends cancellations through May 31, 2020

Dear Special Olympics New Mexico Friends & Family,

After careful consideration, we have made additional decisions regarding the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on our organization and community. In abiding to guidelines from the CDC, the state of New Mexico, and Special Olympics, Inc. (SOI), Special Olympics New Mexico will adhere to the following guidelines through May 31:

  • Cancellation of all sports training (practices).
  • Cancellation of all competitions including area qualifying competitions and the State Summer Games.
  • Cancellation of all fundraising activities that involve mass gatherings of more than 10 people, including New
    Mexico Law Enforcement Torch Run (NMLETR) fundraising activities.
  • NMLETR will continue to hold online fundraising campaigns and partner with local businesses deemed essential by
    the state of NM, unless updated otherwise.
  • Unified Champion Schools® activities and events will continue to abide by their associated school district’s decisions until further notice.
  • The SONM State Office (Chapter) staff will work remotely until directed otherwise. Our office is accepting mail but is not operating under normal business hours at this time. If you have questions or need assistance please email the appropriate staff member utilizing the staff contact list on our website.

We do not take this situation or these decisions lightly, and our staff is working together alongside Special Olympics North America (SONA) and SOI to create virtual resources and opportunities to engage with our Special Olympics athletes and community. The virtual resources will focus on health and fitness while adhering to physical distancing guidelines. While we cannot provide an exact date, we plan to update our website and our Facebook Page (@SpecialOlympicsNM) as soon as possible with the resources mentioned above.

We will continue to monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) at the state and national level, and we will remain in contact with all SONM Area Directors, Local Program Coordinators, and coaches to communicate additional updates.

Please share this messaging with your delegations and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions.

Randy Mascorella, Executive Director

Law Enforcement Torch Run Fundraising Statement

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Greetings LETR officers,

We hope this letter finds you well. Amidst the challenging times we are going through, Special Olympics New Mexico and our Law Enforcement Torch Run program remains resilient and hopeful for better times to come. Our Special Olympics athletes and their families are our top priority and we are doing all that we can to ensure their health and wellness is being preserved during this outbreak.

Cancellation of the Special Olympics New Mexico 2020 State Summer Games

Recently, Special Olympics New Mexico announced that “after careful consideration, we have made additional decisions regarding the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) on our organization and community.” In abiding to guidelines from the CDC, the State of New Mexico, and Special Olympics, Inc. (SOI), Special Olympics New Mexico will adhere to the following guidelines through May 31:

  • Cancellation of all sports training (practices).
  • Cancellation of all competitions including area qualifying competitions and State Summer Games.

The Impact on Special Olympics Athletes

For many of our athletes, Special Olympics is either their main source or only source of health, fitness, and social and emotional wellness. Because of the Special Olympics sports training and competition program, they not only benefit from the joy of sport, but from the spirit of competition, and gain dignity from their own personal achievements. Because of Special Olympics Health wellness and education initiatives, athletes can receive free screenings and services that can be more difficult for them to come by outside of Special Olympics. The Unified Champion Schools opportunities foster a level of peer-to-peer, youth connection and inclusion that is unmatched in other educational settings.

How your LETR Agency and local businesses can help

Through Torch Run fundraising, we can continue to ensure that Special Olympics sports training, competition, along with health and educational initiatives, will remain intact for all athletes and their families when times are tough and all other areas are uncertain. As we navigate through the health and community guidelines set by health organizations, our local governments, and Special Olympics to combat the spread of the coronavirus, we ask that you first focus on keeping your health and safety a priority, and second remain hopeful in our fundraising efforts to ensure our Flame of Hope never loses it light for our athletes. At this time we request the cancellation of all agency fundraising activities that involve mass gatherings of more than 10 people, and we encourage you to consider hosting Online Agency Fundraising Campaigns, partnering with local businesses deemed essential by the state of NM, and others who can raise funds using our Torch Icon campaigns. And if you see our athletes either online or out and about, please check in with them. What constitutes as social distancing to us in reality can lead to social isolation for our athletes. We want to keep in constant contact with them as much as possible. We know that despite government mandates leading to temporary business closures and suspended events such as our own State Summer Games, that you as first responders join other frontline leaders in serving our communities. That is why we say thank you. Thank you for living the LETR Oath, which concludes with:

“I will protect, defend, and befriend all those who seek the joy of Special Olympics sport, and I will always be a Guardian of Flame Of Hope.”

Special Olympics New Mexico (SONM) Coronavirus Official Statement

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The health and safety of the Special Olympics New Mexico community, including our athletes, families, volunteers, and employees has always been our top priority. We have been closely monitoring information about the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) nationwide and within our state.

Due to recent developments tied to the global spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), including a case tied to a U.S. Special Olympics athlete, Special Olympics New Mexico is suspending all sport training and competition activities, as well as fundraising activities (including New Mexico Law Enforcement Torch Run activities) involving our athletes through March 31, 2020, at which time we will reevaluate the situation. Be assured, we will remain in contact with all SONM Area Directors, Heads of Delegation, and coaches to communicate any updates or changes regarding the above.

Our actions and utmost caution is necessary to protect the health and safety of our SONM athletes, and to ensure we are doing everything in our power to prevent the coronavirus and illness from impacting our organization and community.

Resources & CDC Guidelines

  • https://cv.nmhealth.org/
  • https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
  • Steps to Prevent Illness (from the CDC website)
    • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
    • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
    • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
    • Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
    • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze & throw used tissues into the trash.

Please share this messaging with your delegations and don’t hesitate to call the SONM State Office if you have any questions.

-Randy Mascorella

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