The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Kansas is a series of statewide runs that will travel over 1300 miles throughout the state with the different agencies carrying and then passing the “Flame of Hope.”
Led by Mayor Phyllis Fitzgerald, the torch was carried through Junction City Thursday afternoon.
“It’s important because it’s all part of the partnerships [between agencies], the support of the Special Olympics and just the camaraderie to be able to run with the Special Olympians to show our support,” said Fitzgerald.
Junction City Police Officer Cynthia Tatum said it was “important to spread awareness about Special Olympics and let the community see what we’re doing.”
Yvonne Santa, KBI Special Agent, worked for the JCPD years ago and came back today to show support for the community. “[This run] gives the community a sense of involvement.”
And that sense of involvement was to support local Special Olympians from the Junction City Pacesetters like Daniel who loves the softball throw, or Theda who is an all-star in the long jump.
John Haggerty, JC Pacesetters Head Coach, said that his involvement with the team for over 25 years has kept him alive. “I don’t have the words for it, but I love doing it; I’ve done it since ’96 and I was in the Torch Run in ’89 with the MPs (military police).”
The Pacesetters club has about 27 people from Junction City, Fort Riley, and all over Geary County.
The torch run today began in Wamego before traveling to Manhattan, Ogden and then onto Fort Riley before handing the torch off at the Grant gate on Grant Avenue in Junction City.