SAN FERNANDO, Calif. - It’s a torch that raises millions across the world to help Special Olympics athletes like Gerardo De LA Cerda.

He plays sports with the Special Olympics all year round. But on June 5, he’ll be running side-by-side with officers from the San Fernando Police Department for the law enforcement torch run which benefits the Special Olympics.

The group is preparing for their leg of the race, which will be just over two-and-a half miles.

After a quick stretch, they take off on a practice run.

Gerardo and the officers are just one of the groups who will be running this week throughout Southern California. They’ll be carrying the 'Flame of Hope' which will eventually light the cauldron that kicks off the Special Olympics Summer Games in Southern California. The annual event will be held at Cal State Long Beach on June 8 and 9.

That’s where Gerardo expects to win a lot of medals.

“It feels amazing and it also it helps build my confidence as a person and then motivate me as a better person,” he said.

This will be the fourth year in a row that San Fernando police officers run alongside athletes in the torch run.

Lt. Nichole Hanchett says the annual event isn’t just about fundraising but about awareness.

“These athletes really represent what’s best in human spirit and what’s best in life, so it’s always motivational for us to partner with them and see all of the amazing accomplishments that they’ve undertaken,” she said. 

The Law enforcement torch run began in 1981 in Wichita, Kansas. Now the torch run is worldwide and in 2018, raised more than $58 million dollars for the Special Olympics worldwide.

The Santa Clarita/Tri Valley Team, which includes the City of San Fernando has 650 athletes who are training in six sports.

For more information on how to donate to the team, visit: fundraising.sosc.org/goto/sfpd