2004 International Torch Run Conference The United States Marine Memorial, commonly referred to as "the Iwo Jima Memorial," depicts one of the most famous incidents of World War II and is dedicated to all Marines who have given their lives in defense of the United States since 1775. It is the largest cast-bronze statue in the world, featuring 32-foot-tall figures erecting a 60-foot-tall bronze flagpole. The cloth flag flies 24 hours a day in accordance with a Presidential proclamation of 12 June 1961. The sculpture was designed by sculptor Felix W. de Weldon from the Pulitzer prize-winning photo by news photographer Joe Rosenthal. Open 24 hours a day, free admission. [Photo courtesy United States Marine Corps] The International Torch Run Conference, which was held in Arlington, Virginia (USA), on 18–22 November 2004, is an annual gathering of law enforcement officers and Special Olympics staff members. The International Conference provides an opportunity for Torch Run volunteers to network, share and learn how to improve their local Torch Run programs, which contribute greatly to increasing public awareness and enhancing the lives of Special Olympics athletes throughout the world. The conference schedule (view the Schedule at a Glance) includes general sessions, keynote speakers, award ceremonies, educational seminars, regional business meetings, fundraising demonstrations, and networking events. There's even a Unified Scavenger Hunt, where teams, complete with a Special Olympics athlete partner, decipher clues leading them to explore the Nation’s Capital and uncover fascinating truths about the area and U.S. history. Several area monuments will be visited while teams get to meet some great Special Olympics athletes and families.      • Download the full conference brochure, an Adobe PDF document (621K) which contains the registration form. (Note: conference schedule is subject to change.) See Frequently Asked Questions for details on the Conference. Registration One option is registering online via our secure Web site. Or you may complete the registration form, which is part of the full conference brochure packet or available here as a single page form (162K Adobe PDF) only. Return registration forms to your Program’s Torch Run Liaison, who will collect and submit all completed forms and payments. Aerial view of Arlington National Cemetery, with Crystal City, Virginia — location of the conference hotel — visible in the background. Arlington National Cemetery is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the area, with more than four million visitors annually. Among the popular sites are The Tomb of the Unknowns and the Eternal Flame of the John F. Kennedy gravesite. Arlington House, the "Custis-Lee Mansion," can be seen on the right, rising above the Potomac River and overlooking Washington, D.C. [Photo courtesy Arlington National Cemetery] Conference Hotel Hyatt Regency Crystal City hotel is adjacent to Washington's Reagan National Airport and minutes away from Alexandria, downtown Washington, D.C., and Georgetown. It is conveniently located to Metro rapid transit and directly accessible via major thoroughfares. Surrounding the Hyatt Regency Crystal City are nearby shopping, offices, restaurants, and health clubs; other points of interest include the U.S. Capitol, the Washington Mall and Monuments, and Arlington National Cemetery. Hyatt Regency Crystal City 2799 Jefferson Davis Highway Arlington, Virginia 22202 +1 (703) 418-1234 +1 (703) 418-1289 (Fax) www.crystalcity.hyatt.com Air Travel Reagan National Airport (DCA), which is just two minutes from the conference hotel, is highly recommended. Dulles International Airport (IAD) is approximately 60 minutes away. (Baltimore-Washington International Airport also services the Arlington area, however no ground transportation will be provided.) Ground Transportation Shuttles will be provided to and from Dulles and Reagan National airports based on peak arrivals and departures. Please be sure to indicate your flight number, arrival and departure times, and airport on your conference registration form to ensure organized ground transportation. General Conference Information Deborah Apperson Special Olympics Virginia One Columbus Center, Suite 677 Virginia Beach, VA 23462 +1 (757) 687-8183 +1 (757) 687-8198 (Fax) dapperson@specialolympicsva.org or Cheri DeQuattro +1 (202) 628-3630 cdequattro@specialolympics.org • Download the conference brochure (621K Adobe PDF) • Conference Schedule at a Glance • Frequently Asked Questions