Categorized | Volunteering

Cops back on top for Special Olympics (Sept. 28-30)

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Local law enforcement officials will take the high road, making themselves at home atop 14-foot scaffolding for three consecutive days, as they rise to the challenge of raising funds for Special Olympics Hawaii’s 11th annual Cop on Top fundraiser.

Hawaii County police officers will eat, sleep and raise funds for Special Olympics athletes Sept. 28-30 across the state. This year Cop on Top will be held at Walmart stores statewide and all Sam’s Club stores, Aikahi Shopping Center, Kaneohe Bay Shopping Center and Koko Marina Shopping Center on Oahu.

“Walmart is fully committed to giving back to the communities where we work and are honored to be able to support our local Special Olympics athletes and these amazing officers in their endeavor to raise funds and awareness for the important work Special Olympics does here in Hawaii,” said Brian Halsey, Hawaii marketing manager for Walmart.

Officers will climb the 14-foot scaffolding starting at 6 a.m. Friday, Sept. 28 and will remain there until 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 30. In the 11-year history of Cop on Top, law enforcement officials have been able to raise more than $1.62 million to help fund Special Olympics Hawaii’s programs.

“Participating in Cop on Top is a big sacrifice for our officers – giving up their free time with their families, friends and loved ones to stay atop scaffolding, exposed to the elements, raising funds and awareness for our local Special Olympics athletes,” said Nancy Bottelo, president and CEO of Special Olympics Hawaii.

“Every day our athletes face obstacles head-on and these officers are showing their solidarity, bravely facing the challenge of staying up top for three consecutive days,” she said. “We hope the community will show their support and aloha for these brave and generous individuals and come out to support Cop on Top.”

“From the moment we climb atop the scaffolding, to the time we descend, Cop on Top is always an incredible experience,” said Honolulu Police Department Sergeant, Ninette Vonier. “I’ve participated in Cop on Top since the event began 11 years ago and have had the opportunity to meet the most generous and inspiring individuals — from the athletes and families who come out and show their support, to shoppers who open their wallets and hearts, and the incredible generosity of companies like Walmart who open their doors to us .”

Special Olympics Hawaii provides year-round sports training opportunities to more than 2,700 athletes from across the state at no cost to athletes or their families. The average cost to provide one athlete with sports training and competition is approximately $1,044 a year.

For more information on Special Olympics Hawaii, contact 808-943-8808 or visit www.specialolympicshawaii.org

Special Olympics unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sports everyday in Hawaii. Through work in sports, health education and community building, Special Olympics is addressing inactivity, injustice, intolerance and social isolation by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities which leads to a more welcoming and inclusive society.

Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Hawaii Special Olympics movement has grown from a handful of athletes to more than 2,700 athletes across the state. With the support of more than 7,000 coaches and volunteers, Special Olympics is able to deliver nine Olympic-type sports and more than 40 competitions throughout the year. There is never a fee for any athlete or family to participate in Special Olympics programs.

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