In an effort to raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics, Richland County law enforcement personnel will trade their uniforms for jogging suits to participate in the 27th annual Torch Run on Friday, June 28 beginning at 8 a.m.
The proceeds of this event benefit the Special Olympics of Ohio to help offset the cost of state-affiliated events including the Summer and Winter Games.
Over 150 communities in Ohio will participate in the Torch Run on June 23 – June 28. There are six “artery” routes covering the state that lead from Cleveland to Columbus where the Special Olympics Summer Games will be held. There are also several satellite community runs. The Richland County law enforcement personnel’s route starts at the Kroger on Lexington Avenue and finishes at the Bellville bandstand on State Route 97.
For one local officer, the run doesn’t end in Bellville.
Bellville Officer Burt Skeen opted to run an extra four-and-one-half miles from Bellville to Fredericktown to make sure the distance between these two towns is covered. In total, he will be running about 13 miles.
“I didn’t want it to end without having covered ground between Bellville and Fredericktown where another team of law enforcement officials will run. Plus, I’ve always enjoyed running,” stated Skeen.
Skeen has been a regular participant in this event. “It’s been either six or seven years that I’ve done the Torch Run,” he said.
Some participants choose to cycle or run a portion of the route, and others like Skeen choose to run extra. Officer Skeen explained, “Regardless of the distance that people run, this event helps promote a special cause.”
The Ohio Law Enforcement Torch Run culminates with the “Final Leg” on Friday, June 28. The Final Leg brings together officers from all parts of the state to carry the “Flame of Hope” from the State Highway Patrol Academy to the Jesse Owens Stadium in Columbus. This final run signifies the start of the Special Olympics Summer Games.
Each participating law enforcement official has pledged to raise at least $25 for the Special Olympics fund. In addition to their pledged donations, the participants are often sponsored by service groups, schools, and businesses that help raise funds.
The Torch Run stands as the largest grass roots fundraising program in the world to benefit the Special Olympics: it involves law enforcement personnel in all 50 states and about 25 countries. Additionally, this event has fostered the creation of several other fundraisers, including the Polar Bear Plunge, Tip-a-Cop with Texas Roadhouse, golf outings, among other fundraisers.
“Because of the Torch Run we’re able to spotlight the Special Olympics and the participating athletes along with the local law enforcement agencies who commit their own time to help raise awareness for a good cause,” said Skeen.
For more information on the Torch Run, or to find out how you can donate to the Special Olympics, go to http://sooh.org/page.php?p=1189.