‘Cop on Top’ to Benefit Special Olympics Hawai’i Athletes

Local law enforcement officers are preparing for the 14^th Annual Cop on Top fundraiser for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Officers will raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics Hawai’i athletes as they stand atop 14-foot scaffolds, where they will stay for three consecutive days.

The event is scheduled from Thursday, Aug. 27 through Saturday, Aug. 29 at Walmart locations throughout the state, including Hilo and Kona.

“Walmart is proud to support the communities we serve in the islands,” said Steven Reed, Walmart Hawai’i Market Manager. “As we observe a five-year partnership with Special Olympics’ Cop on Top, we are humbled to see firsthand the positive impact funds raised at our stores have had on our local athletes with intellectual disabilities.”

More than $2,462,430 has been raised since 2001 to benefit Special Olympics Hawai’i.

“I have been part of Cop on Top for the last nine years and it brings me joy to help those individuals with special needs,” said Tracy JK Fermin-Bras, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. “This event is very near and dear to my heart and very personal for me. I believe in their mission, and I understand first-hand what Cop on Top and other Special Olympic Hawai’i events can do for families like mine.”

Year-round sports training and competition opportunities are provided by Special Olympics Hawai’i, with more than 3,900 athletes participating each year. The average cost to serve one athlete is about $756 a year.

Special Olympics Hawai’i president and CEO Nancy Bottelo says the event is not only one of the biggest fundraisers of the year, but also celebrates the organizations partnership with local law enforcement.

“Cop on Top celebrates our partnership with local law enforcement and is one of the Law Enforcement Torch Run’s biggest fundraisers of the year,” said Bottelo.

To learn more about Special Olympics Hawai’i, call 943-8808 or visit the Special Olympics Hawai’i website.