Law enforcement officials across the state will take the high road, making themselves at home atop 14-foot scaffolding for three consecutive days, as they rise to the challenge of raising funds for Special Olympics Hawaii’s 11th annual Cop on Top
Law enforcement officials across the state will take the high road, making themselves at home atop 14-foot scaffolding for three consecutive days, as they rise to the challenge of raising funds for Special Olympics Hawaii’s 11th annual Cop on Top fundraiser.
This week on Maui and Friday through Sunday, Sept. 28-30, on Oahu, Hawaii Island and Kauai, officers will eat, sleep and raise funds for Special Olympics athletes across the state.
This year Cop on Top will be held at Walmart stores statewide and all Sam’s Club stores, Aikahi Shopping Center, Kaneohe Bay Shopping Center and Koko Marina Shopping Center on Oahu.
“Walmart is fully committed to giving back to the communities where we work and are honored to be able to support our local Special Olympics athletes and these amazing officers in their endeavor to raise funds and awareness for the important work Special Olympics does here in Hawaii,” said Brian Halsey, Hawaii marketing manager for Walmart.
Big Isle officers will climb the 14-foot scaffolding atop Walmart stores starting at 6 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 28, and will remain there until 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 30. In the 11-year history of Cop on Top, law enforcement officials have been able to raise more than $1.6 million to help fund Special Olympics Hawaii’s programs.
“Participating in Cop on Top is a big sacrifice for our officers — giving up their free time with their families, friends and loved ones to stay atop scaffolding, exposed to the elements, raising funds and awareness for our local Special Olympics athletes,” said Nancy Bottelo, president and CEO of Special Olympics Hawaii.
“Every day our athletes face obstacles head-on and these officers are showing their solidarity, bravely facing the challenge of staying up top for three consecutive days! We hope the community will show their support and aloha for these brave and generous individuals and come out to support Cop on Top.”
“From the moment we climb atop the scaffolding, to the time we descend, Cop on Top is always an incredible experience,” said Honolulu Police Department Sgt. Ninette Vonier. “I’ve participated in Cop on Top since the event began 11 years ago and have had the opportunity to meet the most generous and inspiring individuals — from the athletes and families who come out and show their support, to shoppers who open their wallets and hearts, and the incredible generosity of companies like Walmart who open their doors to us.”
For more information on Special Olympics Hawaii, please contact 808-943-8808 or visit www.specialolympicshawaii.org. Also, follow Special Olympics Hawaii on Twitter, at http://twitter.com/sohawaii and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsHawaii for updates on the event.
Special Olympics Hawaii provides year-round sports training opportunities to more than 2,700 athletes from across the state at no cost to athletes or their families. The average cost to provide one athlete with sports training and competition is approximately $1,044 a year.
