"Building Unity in the Community"-- Law Enforcement Officers Help Special Olympics Athletes; Heroes Helping Heroes takes on New Meaning

As your Sheriff for the last 16 years, I have proudly led the Department with the philosophy and management style set on the corner stone of “Building Unity in the Community” through professionalism, commitment, vision and passion.

 

Richland County Sheriff's Department personnel are involved year-round with several community focused efforts. However, the partnership between the Department and the Special Olympics South Carolina is particularly extraordinary.

 

Special Olympics South Carolina provides year-round sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. By participating in sports, physical fitness and healthcare education programs, Special Olympics South Carolina athletes increase self-confidence and social skills, improve physical and motor skills, and have better success in leading more productive and independent lives.

 

"It really is about "Heroes Helping Heroes," says Captain Joe Pellicci, a Department leader in coordinating Special Olympics Events. "The great thing about the Law Enforcement/Special Olympics partnership is that every penny we raise goes to all aspects of what the athletes need to succeed. 100% of monies raised goes directly to our local athletes for training, equipment, and travel."

 

Special Olympic athletes are true heroes and should be an inspiration to all of us. Thanks to donations the Special Olympics Athletes are able to participate in events, games and competitions year-round.

 

"It's not whether the athletes win or lose- it's about the friends they make and the self-esteem they gain," Pellicci says. "That's what makes this effort so meaningful to me."

 

The Richland County Sheriff’s Department is committed to the Special Olympics and participating in fundraising events like Bocce Tournaments, "Cops and Calabash" at Fatz Cafe, "Tip a Cop" at Red Robin and most recently "Cops on top of Doughnut Shops" with Krispy Kreme- which alone raised over $15,000.00. This unified, grassroots effort between Law Enforcement and the community helps the thousands of South Carolina Special Olympics’ Athletes.

 

The "Heroes Helping Heroes" theme is not only referring to Law Enforcement Officers helping the athletes. WE are learning and benefitting from knowing and spending time with the Special Olympic Athletes. They are the true Heroes of this effort.

 

I encourage all citizens to support Special Olympics. For more information, you can contact Captain Joe Pellicci of the Richland County Sheriff’s Department at (803) 576-3025 or jpellicci@rcsd.net or Sue Maner of, Special Olympics at (803) 404-5511 or smaner@so-sc.org .

 

Please find attached pictures of our most recent event "Cops on top of Doughnut Shops" with Krispy Kreme on Clemson Road.

 

Citizens can access important information about crime prevention, free safety training and community resources at: www.rcsd.net

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