DPSCS hosts Tug-of-War, a Special Olympics Maryland Fundraiser
This year’s matchup largest in event’s history; raising almost $20,000!
Print this press releaseTOWSON, MD (June 8, 2012) – Teams from across Maryland came together in Sykesville today in an epic battle of brute strength: the annual Public Safety Tug-of-War to benefit Special Olympics Maryland.
As the Tug teams weighed in Friday morning (one Heavyweight team of seven weighed a total of 2,656 pounds!), more than 150 Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services employees took part in a 1-mile walk or 5K run, each purchasing a shirt or hat to raise money as part of the annual fundraising for Special Olympics through the Law Enforcement Torch Run, an international effort.
“We all know that everyone here is dedicated to the job of serving Maryland and ensuring the public is safe,” said DPSCS Secretary Gary D. Maynard. “What we don’t always realize is that DPSCS employees are also dedicated to improving their communities and helping others on days like today, when we band together to support a wonderful cause like Special Olympics Maryland.”
Two Special Olympics athletes and their families attended and completed the one-mile walk! Maynard presented them with DPSCS hats and proclaimed them honorary Correctional Officers and Parole/Probation agents.
Tugging got underway before noon, with 34 teams vying for championships in three categories: Heavyweight, Lightweight and All-Female.
Each Tug team raises $250 for the privilege of competing, bringing in almost $10,000 for Special Olympics Maryland! T-shirt sales will total another $8,000.
Because of a recent reorganization, this year’s event – which had been put on by the Division of Correction for years – is sponsored by the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, with corrections (formerly DOC), community supervision and Baltimore's detention system now falling under a regional operation structure within DPSCS. Total fundraising from this annual event – which now promises to get bigger and better every year – now far exceeds $250,000.
This year’s event was held in Sykesville, MD at the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission’s facilities. Special thanks to Carroll County Sheriff’s Office, Springfield Hospital Center, and Sykesville Auxiliary Police for their assistance in making this a special and safe event!
| 2012 Tug-of-War Results | |
| Heavyweight Champions: Baltimore City Detention Center Second Place: Western Correctional Institution |
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| Lightweight Champions: Maryland Correctional Institution – Jessup Second Place: Metropolitan Transition Center – Baltimore Area Reentry Services |
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| Female Champions: Maryland Reception, Diagnostic and Classification Center Second Place: Metropolitan Transition Center – Baltimore Area Reentry Services |
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See the DPSCS Facebook page for more photos and videos of the day’s excitement!
