Carrying the torch

A tradition since classical times, the Olympic torch represents the light of spirit, knowledge and life, carried to the stadium before each games begin from Olympia in Greece. Since 1981, the symbolism of the torch has been extended to Special Olympics around the world; this May, it will be run through Crook County on its way to the state games in Laramie.

“The Flame will start in Hulett, make its way to Sundance, and then end in Moorcroft,” says Kassie Clements, Adapted Physical Education for Crook County School District.

“From Moorcroft, it will be handed over to Gillette and eventually end up in Laramie for our State Games on May 9.”

The Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run will take place on May 2, beginning at the school parking lot in Hulett at 8:30 a.m. In Sundance, the run begins at the elementary school at 10:30 a.m. and will travel along Cleveland Street to the Rapid Stop.

In Moorcroft, the run will begin in front of the MK-8 at 1 p.m. and travel along Hwy 16 West towards the interstate junction.

The law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes who take part in the run are known as Guardians of the Flame and carry the “Flame of Hope” into opening ceremonies for local competitions as well as the state, provincial, national, regional and world Special Olympics games.

In total, around 97,000 law enforcement members carry the flame each year to symbolize courage and celebration of diversity.

“What started in 1981...as a flicker of hope for Special Olympics has now become a roaring flame of stability for Special Olympics athletes worldwide,” said retired Police Chief Richard LaMunyon of Wichita, Kansas, who created the torch run to support Special Olympics and in 1983 received endorsement from the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

Since its inception, the Law Enforcement Torch Run has raised over $600 million for Special Olympics programs.