In what has become an annual tradition, members of the Santa Clara Police Department (SCPD) and the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety (DPS) gathered at a parking lot on the border between their two cities on June 27 to pass the torch, literally. The two departments transferred care of the Special Olympics torch, called the “Flame of Hope,” in a parking lot on El Camino Real, pausing to take a picture before going their separate ways.
Approximately 16 members of the DPS team ran with the torch along El Camino Real, though many others kept pace on motorcycles or in fire trucks. They took the torch from the Mountain View Police Department and ran just over three miles before meeting up with the contingent from SCPD. Among those running was DPS Public Safety Specialist Norma Valadez O’Connell, who organized the DPS team. For her, the annual event has a very special meaning.
“The Special Olympics is near and dear to my heart. My sister was once a beneficiary prior to her passing, so throwing myself into this program and raising the funds for these athletes is such a small but worthwhile task,” said O’Connell. “Seeing the athletes’ faces when you give them a high five at the Wall of Honor at opening ceremonies or seeing them light up as we hang the medals over their necks is an experience and feeling unlike any other. I hope to continue this tradition within DPS, and that the tradition far surpasses my time here with the department.”
Every year, the Special Olympics torch makes its way across Northern California, carried by members of local police departments before it arrives at the location of the games. Officers are called the “Guardians of the Flame,” and this year, because the games were hosted at Santa Clara University, the SCPD had the honor of carrying the torch into Buck Shaw Stadium.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run is designed to create public awareness and serve as a grassroots fundraiser for the Special Olympics.
It worked. Sunnyvale resident Elsa has driven by a few times over the years, and this time, when she saw the Torch Run announced on Facebook, she decided she had to stop by to see for herself.
“I love it. I mean, it’s Special Olympics. It’s raising funds to help support it. I think it’s really cool. I’m like, ‘Oh, maybe next year I’ll join in on the running part,’” said Elsa.
This year, the Sunnyvale DPS raised nearly $5,000 for the Special Olympics. The SCPD raised nearly $3,800.
Assistant Chief of Police Wahid Kazem’s family was the top earner for SCPD, and Kazem says his wife was the driving force behind it all. It’s an effort that his entire family, including the kids, participates in every year.
“Special Olympics has always held a special place in our hearts,” said Kazem. “For generations, our family has been deeply committed to its mission of inclusion and empowerment for individuals with intellectual disabilities. From fundraising and volunteering to cheering from the sidelines, we’ve grown up alongside the movement. We’ve proudly participated in the Torch Run and Summer Games since our kids were in strollers, and that tradition continues today. It’s more than an event for us—it’s a lifelong passion and a way of life. We’re honored to stand beside so many dedicated individuals working to create a more inclusive world.”
In total, this year’s run has raised close to $361,000 but is still short of its $475,000 fundraising goal. To donate, visit: https://p2p.onecause.com/2025torchrun.
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