RIDGELAND, Miss. — The Ridgeland Police Department has launched its annual “Cover the Cruiser” fundraiser to benefit Special Olympics Mississippi, inviting residents to donate and sign a marked patrol vehicle through May 1 at participating locations around the city, the department said.
Community members may stop by, make a donation of any amount and add their signature to the patrol car. The department said all proceeds go directly to programs that help Special Olympics athletes train, compete and succeed.
“No donation is too small — and every signature makes a difference,” the department said in announcing the campaign. According to Special Olympics’ website, the organization is a global sports movement that uses sport to address inactivity, stigma, isolation and injustice faced by people with intellectual disabilities.
Special Olympics provides programming in sports, health, education and community building, including Unified Sports, which allows people with and without intellectual disabilities to compete together. The organization offers more than 30 Olympic-style sports for athletes ages 2 to 99 and runs initiatives such as Unified Schools and Young Athletes.
The Ridgeland fundraiser is part of broader efforts by law enforcement agencies nationwide to support Special Olympics through community-based events. Residents can watch for the marked patrol vehicle at locations throughout Ridgeland through May 1 to participate.
