'Shirts for Soldiers' Will Benefit Special Olympics Missouri

This year, two agencies teamed up to help raise funds for Special Olympics, and to support soldiers deployed abroad. Sgt Scott Barthelmass, a 15-year volunteer firefighter for and officer of the Overland Police Department, and Postal Inspector Dan Taylor of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service created a program called "Shirts for Soldiers." For every $10 donated, a Torch Run shirt will be sent to a soldier abroad.

The Torch Run is a campaign to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics began 30 years ago in Kansas as a vision of Chief Richard LaMunyon, who wanted to give his officers an opportunity to participate in something positive. Today the Law Enforcement Torch Run is held in 50 states and 46 countries around the world.

The Missouri Police Chiefs Association is the founding law enforcement organization for Missouri's Torch Run for Special Olympics. What began in 1986 as a 30-mile run is now a four-day relay covering more than 950 miles with 1,000 runners. It originates in more than 40 locations and culminates at the site of the State Summer Games. This year, 2012, represents the 27th year that Missouri law enforcement officers have supported Special Olympics Missouri.

One way law enforcement agencies raise awareness and money is by selling Torch Run shirts.

All funds raised from the shirt sales go toward supporting Special Olympics Missouri's year-round sports training and athletic competition program for more than 15,000 athletes across the state. Short-sleeved Torch Run shirts are sold for $10. Long-sleeve shirts are sold for $15

Inspector Taylor said both agencies wanted to help support Special Olympics Missouri, and to say thank you to USA soldiers who are serving abroad.

"The special athletes are amazing, as are those men and women who make many sacrifices to serve our country in the Armed Forces. We wanted to do something that would support both unique and worthy groups," said Barthelmass.

Donations can be mailed to: Shirts for Soldiers, c/o Overland Police Department, 2410 Goodale, Overland, MO  63114.

Anyone interested in additional information on Shirts for Soldiers can contact Overland Police Sergeant Scott Barthelmass (via email at sbarthelmass@yahoo.com) or Inspector Dan Taylor (via email at DATaylor@uspis.gov )

Anyone interested in purchasing a Special Olympics shirt for themselves also may contact Barthelmass or Taylor.