Newtown police this year will continue their longstanding affiliation with the Special Olympics of Connecticut (SOCT), participating in events designed to raise funds and also to raise public awareness of the Special Olympics movement.

Police Patrol Officer William Chapman will be leading a team in the annual “Ride For The Flame” event in which participants will bicycle 100, 50, or 25 miles along the Connecticut shoreline in June.

Also in June, town police will be among those participating in the “Law Enforcement Torch Run” during which municipal law enforcement personnel run with the Special Olympics torch through their respective towns.

In the past, town police, state police, and Garner Correctional Institution staff have participated in the Newtown leg of the torch run.

People or groups interested in learning more about the Special Olympics or making donations may contact Ofc Chapman at william.chapman@newtown-ct.gov.