One of Bay City's top law-enforcement officers is ready to take the torch and run with it.

Michigan State Police Lt. John Card has been chosen to deliver the "Flame of Hope" torch at the 2005 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Nagano, Japan.

Card, commander of the Bay City post, embarks on his journey today (February 16). He'll be one of 110 runners from 19 countries, and will carry the torch through Japan leading up to the games.

The 41-year-old law-enforcement officer, the former head of the Bay Area Narcotics Enforcement Team, has volunteered since high school with Special Olympics of Michigan.

He is married and the father of two sons, and credits his parents for stressing the importance of community involvement as he was growing up.

The 2005 Special Olympics Winter Games run Feb. 26 to March 5. It is the first time the games will be held in an Asian country.

About 2,500 athletes from 80 countries will compete in seven sports including Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, figure skating, speedskating, snowshoeing and floor hockey.

The program is for people with intellectual disabilities who compete locally and regionally in state competitions.

Card said Michigan has one of the finest Special Olympics programs in the United States, adding that Michigan organizers raise about $400,000 a year to keep the games going. This year's goal, he said, is to raise $500,000.

The World Games serve an important purpose as well, he said.

"This is a great cause and it is possible for the public to see law enforcement doing positive things in our community.

"I look forward to meeting the people of Japan and speaking about Michigan's Law Enforcement Torch Run program," he said. "I am also looking forward to the camaraderie with other law-enforcement officers from around the world as we unite for a common cause."

After the torch has been delivered, police personnel will each speak at various functions in Japan to highlight their hometown programs and how the police work with the communities in helping establish and raise funds for Special Olympics.

For more information about the 2005 Special Olympics World Winter Games, visit www.2005sowwg.com.