More than 50 participants representing local law enforcement took part in the first Special Olympics Pennsylvania Law Enforcement Torch Run in Erie on Wednesday, raising awareness for inclusion and supporting local Special Olympics athletes.
The two-and-a-half-mile, noncompetitive run began at Perry Square and ended at Erie High School, bringing together law enforcement officers, athletes, and community members.
Andrew Fee, vice president of development for Special Olympics Pennsylvania, said the global movement supports athletes who participate in Special Olympics sports programming free of charge.
“The law enforcement torch run movement is a global movement of law enforcement coming together really to support Special Olympics athletes,” Fee said. “All of our Special Olympics athletes participate globally free of charge in all of our sports programming.”
The event aims to promote inclusion, belonging, and acceptance throughout the community. Ending the run at a school also helps bring school-based Special Olympics programs into the effort.
Fee said the event provides an opportunity for people from different parts of the community to come together around a shared message.
The torch is carried alongside a Special Olympics athlete and guarded by a law enforcement officer known as the “guardian of the flame.” The flame represents hope, with officers helping spread a message of inclusion, acceptance, belonging, and peace.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run movement began in Wichita, Kansas, and has raised billions of dollars to support Special Olympics athletes worldwide.
The community will have another opportunity to support Special Olympics Pennsylvania at the Northwest Polar Plunge on November 21 at Presque Isle State Park.
The event is the organization’s largest fundraiser, helping support programs and opportunities for Special Olympics athletes. For more information, you can visit their website at the link below: