COLUMBUS, Georgia (WRBL) — On Wednesday, December 21, the Columbus Police Department presented a check for $16,273.07 to Special Olympics Georgia at Rally Point Harley Davidson on Williams Road in Columbus. The check presentation was a highlight of last month’s River City Motorcycle Rodeo fundraiser hosted by the Columbus Police Department in partnership with Rally Point Harley Davidson.
“This is just a real treat for me because it gives me the opportunity to recognize so many groups that are all special to me,” said Columbus Mayor Skip Henderson. “First and foremost, I want to thank the Columbus Police Department for their continued commitment, not just to the people of Columbus, but for truly engaging in the communities and helping them in so many ways that the people don’t even know to know.”
Henderson said at Rally Point that Harley Davidson has been a “great” partner with the Columbus Police Department over the past few years and that the check presentation would not have been possible without their help.
“And most importantly and ultimately, these are these incredible athletes that I’ve been able to meet at the rodeo and hear about how they’ve won their medals and what they’ve accomplished. And it’s just part of what makes Columbus such a special place, so I want to thank everyone involved,” he said.
Catherine Justice introduced herself as the Torch Run Law Enforcement Liaison at Special Olympics Georgia and said she will be working with Georgia’s federal and local law enforcement programs.
“Fortunately, over the past year, I’ve become very close to Columbus PD due to your local torch run, the Georgia Police Chiefs’ Conference, and meeting your police chief,” she said.
Justice said the Columbus Police Department won the Department of the Year award with Special Olympics Georgia for having served community members so well and for being one of the best fundraisers for Special Olympics Georgia. She introduced Muscogee Special Olympics athletes who were with her.
“They’re getting ready to bowl at the indoor winter games that are going to be held in Cobb County in late January,” she said. “So funds raised in this way help them to compete and get medical check-ups, housing and meals for sports … and four state competitions throughout the year for our competitions. So thanks a lot guys.”
Chief Freddie Blackmon of the Columbus Police Department said he really appreciates the staff of the Columbus Police Department, Rally Point Harley Davidson and everyone else who made the donation to Special Olympics Georgia possible.
Athlete Josh thanked the Columbus Police Department and Rally Point Harley Davidson for supporting Special Olympics Georgia. He said it’s great to see the community getting involved.
