Law Enforcement Torch Run Kick-Off Ceremony, Presented by Cal Fed Bank, Benefiting Local Special Olympics Southern California Athletes


SAN DIEGO, May 28, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- MEDIA ALERT --


 WHAT:  Witness the U.S. start of the 1,600-mile 2002 Law Enforcement
        Torch Run for Special Olympics Southern California at the
        U.S.-Mexico border in San Ysidro.  At the border, the Torch
        Run Flame of Hope will be passed from Mexican law enforcement
        agencies in an international ceremony with their U.S.
        counterparts.  This marks the only international Law
        Enforcement Torch Run exchange that takes place in the world.
        This will officially begin the relay. 

        More than 4,000 officers from 250 Southern California police
        departments are participating in this year's Torch Run. 
        Together, they will cover the 1,600-mile trek through 250
        cities.

        The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest grass roots fund-
        raiser and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics in 
        the world.  Since its inception in 1981, more than 75,000 law 
        enforcement officers from thousands of agencies have carried 
        the Flame of Hope.  Law enforcement officers from every state 
        and from more than 40 countries carry the Flame of Hope in 
        honor of Special Olympics athletes.  

        The 2001 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics 
        Southern California raised more than $362,000.  This year, 
        organizers hope to raise more than $600,000.  Monies raised by
        law enforcement through the Torch Run go to support local 
        Special Olympians in the communities in which the funds have 
        been raised.

 WHEN:  Tuesday, June 4, 2002 at 7:50 a.m.

        Note:  it is best to arrive at 7:50 a.m. to allow for a
               mandatory border patrol escort into the news conference
               area. The news conference venue is a U.S. government-
               restricted site.

 WHERE: U.S.-Mexico border crossing in San Ysidro, California 
        (directions and dedicated event parking are available).  

        Conference will take place in restricted area of roadway.

 PRESENTATION:

        * At the border ceremony, more than 30 Mexican law enforcement
          officers will complete their relay from Mexico, and will
          pass the torch to more than 40 U.S. law enforcement officers
          who will start the U.S. portion of the relay run immediately
          after the ceremony.

        * San Diego Police Chief David DeJarano will make remarks.

        * A representative of law enforcement in Mexico will speak.

        * San Luis Obispo Police Chief & Southern California Torch Run
          Director, Jim Gardiner will speak.

        * Special Olympics representatives and athletes from the U.S.
          and Mexico will be present.

        * Representing Cal Fed Bank -- the Presenting Sponsor of the 
          Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Southern 
          California - increasingly well-known ad spokesperson Elvis 
          Schmiedekamp will make a check presentation to Special 
          Olympics. 

        * Interview opportunities are available with all event
          participants.

 SPONSORS:  Presented by Cal Fed Bank, the 2002 Law Enforcement Torch
            Run is also being sponsored by Cingular Wireless, Claim
            Jumper Restaurants, Carquest, Red Lobster Restaurants
            and Pepsi.


            

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