Special Olympics Torch Run

Friday, 15 June 2012

Eight Clearfield City Police Department Officers became ‘guardians of the flame’ for the May 14 Special Olympics Torch Run event, carrying the torch a total of 82 miles, from Hill Air Force Base (650 North) through Clearfield, Clinton, West Point, and Syracuse, before handing it off to Layton City police officers. The Special Olympics Torch Run is a cooperative effort of Utah law enforcement officers from various agencies who take turns “guarding” or carrying the torch to support the Special Olympics program. Clearfield Police Department Lt. Adam Malan, who has been a Torch Run runner for the past six years said, “Each year we run right alongside Special Olympians of all ages. Most of them ride their bicycles, and even take turns carrying the torch when we pass by elementary and junior high schools. It’s an extremely rewarding experience having the personal interaction with these kids; they idolize cops, but they have no idea that it’s us who idolize them.” Each Torch Run participant purchases a Special Olympics Torch Run shirt or other item that serves as an entry fee/donation to the Special Olympics of Utah. Clearfield City’s Employee’s Association covered the cost of the donation, and the officers donated their time running in the event (each officer ran anywhere from 5 miles to 17 miles as their portion of the run). According to their website www.sout.org, the Special Olympics program is “for people with intellectual disabilities and is often the only place where they have an opportunity to participate in their communities and develop belief in themselves. Special Olympics sports provide a gateway to empowerment, competence, acceptance and joy.” For more information please visit their website.

Last Updated ( Friday, 15 June 2012 )

 

< Prev		Next >