HONOLULU, Hawaii -- HONOLULU, In October of 1987, a Honolulu Police Officer who had an eye for crime and a heart for those who participate in the Special Olympics, was killed in the line of duty.
This police officer's name was Troy Barboza.
Marines from Headquarters Bn., MCB Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay, participated in the Troy Barboza Special Olympics Torch Run in Waikiki May 30 to raise funds to support future Special Olympic events for the residents of Hawaii.
The Marines, wearing the 'boots and uts' uniform, began the run with representatives from all branches of the Armed Forces and law enforcement representatives at Fort DeRussy in Waikiki and continued down the 'main strip' as law enforcement officers shut down the streets to thru traffic. The runners then turned left on Kapahulu St. by the Honolulu Zoo. It ended at the Aloha Stadium where hundreds of Special Olympic athletes were able to cheer on the runners who came to support them.
The registration fee for the run was $20 and the runners were given a T-shirt along with the satisfaction of knowing they were supporting a great cause. In last year's run, more than $80,000 was raised to provide funding for the Special Olympic Games across the world.
"I believe the Marines were eager to support the athletes," said Gunnery Sgt. Thomas Whelan, training chief for the Military Police Co., MCB Hawaii. Whelan was activated for 90 days from his reserve unit in Buffalo, N.Y., where he is a law enforcement officer.
"I believe that athletes with special needs should have a chance to achieve and accomplish their dreams just like anyone else. The Marines that participated were eager to do so, and they got plenty of satisfaction out of knowing they supported such a great cause."