The first week of June 2009 was definitely a memorable one for Police Officers Gilberto Trevino Jr. and Jesus Dominguez as they traveled to Arlington, Texas and represented Texas A&M International University at the 2009 Special Olympics Texas Summer Games at the University of Texas at Arlington.
Celebrating 40 years, Special Olympics Texas brings athletes from all over the state to compete in a variety of physical activities including: basketball, cycling, gymnastics, soccer, and tennis. There were over 3,000 students from all over Texas who participated in this year’s events, with ages ranging from ten to fifty, with different events available for different ages. Students from Laredo Independent School District and other south Laredo schools competed in Arlington as well.
In the Law Enforcement Torch Run, local law enforcement agencies participated to raise funds for children to compete in the olympics. Every agency that participates is given the opportunity to carry the law enforcement torch. In association with this event, Governor Rick Perry proclaimed Special Olympics Week in Austin, Texas.
Sponsors for this event were TAMIU President Dr. Ray M. Keck III, Vice President of Finance and Administration Mr. Juan Castillo, and Chief Felipe Garza of the TAMIU Police Department. Fundraising began in February 2009. The three fund raising events included Krispy Kreme Cops on Roof Top, in which police officers stayed on the Krispy Kreme roof all day and collected money for Special Olympics Texas, the 5-K Run held at TAMIU, in which anyone could participate in, and a T-Shirt Sale.
It was with their hard work and determination that these men helped celebrate 40 years of bravery, courage, and fun at the Special Olympics Opening Ceremonies.