By BECKY GOFF
JC Post
GEARY COUNTY - On June 1st, officers from the Riley County Police Department, Fort Riley, the Junction City Police Department and Geary County Sheriff's Office carried the 'Flame of Hope' torch for Special Olympics Kansas, as part of the 1,600-mile journey across Kansas for the ceremonial 2023 Law Enforcement Torch Run.
Officers from the Riley County Police Department met with Special Olympics athletes at the Ogden Community Center, where they started their leg of the 2023 Torch Run.
The Riley County group ran to the Ogden Gate at Fort Riley, where they met a group of soldiers from Fort Riley, handing off the torch to them to continue the trek.
"So this is actually a little bit more near and dear to my heart. My older brother, he was a Special Olympics athlete and I grew up watching him compete in bowling and track and baseball and get to do all of these amazing things because of Special Olympics. So it has meant a lot to me to be able to then become a law enforcement officer and support Special Olympics through all these fundraisers, these athletes are amazing. They come out and they run with us and it's just a great event." RCPD Corporal and FOP President, Rachel Pate says.
Officers from Fort Riley carried the torch along Huebner Road across Fort Riley exiting post at the Grant Gate where they were met by officers from Junction City Police Department and the Geary County Sheriff's Office.
Law enforcement officers raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics Kansas throughout the year by participating in fundraisers, including the Torch Run, Tip-A-Cop, Polar Plunge and Cover the Cruiser events.
Special Olympics athletes joined the officers in running from Grant Gate to Heritage Park in Junction City to complete the region's section of the annual Torch Run.
Funds raised are used to support Special Olympics athletes have access to participate in sports events throughout the year.
"It's just a wonderful event to help raise awareness for Special Olympics. And I mean, it's just something I just near dear to my heart. I just enjoy doing it. Just get some good running shoes. No, it's a slow pace. You got to kind of be a little prepared for a little slower paced, but truly, we all out here having a good time and enjoying each other's company and just helping raise awareness." JCPD Lieutenant Matt Paquette says.
"This year is the most Special Olympic Athletes with Junction City Pacesetters that we've had out here in several, several years, and that John Haggerty and his group does a great job with the athletes and so we're just happy to participate with them." State Representative Jeff Underhill says.
The Torch Run is the lead up to the annual summer Special Olympics games held in Wichita in June.