30-story Wells Fargo Capitol Center, Raleigh, NC
RALEIGH, NC – “Honestly, rappelling 30-stories is a huge fear for me,” said Fayetteville Police Chief Gina V. Hawkins. “I’m doing this for the athletes; I’m doing this for Special Olympics.”
On Fri. Sept. 29, 2017, Hawkins will rappel Raleigh’s Wells Fargo Capitol Center during the 8th annual Over the Edge, a key fundraiser for Special Olympics North Carolina. Over the Edge continues through Sat. Sept. 30.
“Fayetteville’s police officers are very active year-round with a number of initiatives for Special Olympics,” said Hawkins. “It all began with Sergeant William “Dink” Dalton, a huge advocate in our department who worked tirelessly for individuals with intellectual disabilities and got the momentum going. We’ve been on that track ever since.”
Lost to Lou Gehrig’s disease in 2005, Special Olympics North Carolina created the annual Unsung Hero Award in recognition and memory of Sergeant Dalton, recognizing heroes statewide for their contributions to the success of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics NC.
Hawkins, a 28-year law enforcement veteran, was sworn-in as the City of Fayetteville chief of police in mid-August. An Ohio native, she attended North Carolina Central University, received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Georgia State University, earned a master’s in management from John Hopkins University, graduated from the FBI National Academy, and is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police at Boston University. Hawkins joins a growing but small group of female police chiefs of less than two-percent in the United States.
Aug. 2017 swearing in ceremony for Fayetteville Police Chief Gina V. Hawkins
(Superior Court Judge Claire Hill – R)
Up to 200 thrill-seekers have the opportunity to join Chief Hawkins for this bucket-list experience packed with scenic vistas of North Carolina’s Capital city. Registration is now open with prime-time slots selected by the quickest fundraisers. www.overtheedgenc.com
“I encourage everybody to sign up or do whatever you can to help Special Olympics,” said Hawkins. “If you can’t go Over the Edge, go to the website and help push other people over their fundraising goals. Let’s raise money for this.”
Special Olympics North Carolina provides year-round sports training and competition for nearly 40,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Athletes train and compete on local and state levels in 19 sports, providing motivation, building self-esteem, and creating opportunities for success.
Police Chief Hawkins is one of the thousands of law enforcement officers in North Carolina actively raising critical funds for Special Olympics programs including The Summer Games, The Fall Tournament, Polar Plunge, Truck Convoy for Special Olympics, The Plane Pull, Torch Run, and Over the Edge.
“Special Olympics is a looking glass, an example to everyone around the world of how people with intellectual disabilities can and should be included in all aspects of their communities,” said Keith Fishburne, President and CEO of Special Olympics North Carolina.
Eunice Kennedy Shriver founded Special Olympics and organized the first International Games in Chicago in 1968. Six athletes from North Carolina were among the participants. Special Olympics will return to Chicago and celebrate its 50th Anniversary in 2018.
Click here to support Chief Gina Hawkins
Click here for Special Olympics North Carolina
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Contact:
Rachel McQuiston
Vice President of Communications
Special Olympics North Carolina
919-719-7662 ext. 110
RMcQuiston@SONC.net
Robert B Butler | PR
www.NCPressRelease.org
www.RBButler.com
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