Four Bahamian Special Olympians — Deangelo Bullard, Austin Green, Latonia Rahming and Vashni Thompson — recently served as Global Messengers at the 2015 Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) International Conference held at Atlantis October 1-3.
Through the Global Messenger program, Special Olympians around the world share their personal stories, encourage others with intellectual disabilities to join the Special Olympics program, and promote messages of inclusion and equality for people with intellectual disabilities.
Not only did Latonia, Vashni, Austin and Deangelo detail their own journeys for the 1,000 LETR conference delegates, but they helped to introduce other event speakers, including Bahamian Prime Minister Perry Christie, Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade, and Richard LaMunyon, the Wichita, Kansas police chief who founded the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
With 96,000 law enforcement officer members from the U.S., Canada and more than 40 other nations world-wide, LETR International organizes torch runs and other fundraising events for Special Olympics programs at the local, national and international levels. LETR members also serve as coaches and mentors for local Special Olympics teams. Since 1981, LETR International has raised more than $500 million for the Special Olympics.
Congratulations to Deangelo, Austin, Latonia and Vashni on being selected as Global Messengers, and for working to inspire the acceptance and inclusion of all members of society.
