By Cindy Gladden Record Staff Writer As law enforcement members ran their last leg down Main Street in Warrenton during the fifth annual Law Enforcement Torch Run, Special Olympics, athletes from Warren County Handicapped Services dashed from the sidewalk to join them as they closed in on the finish line. The race to raise funds for Special Olympic athletes began Wednesday morning, May 28, at Fastlane in Foristell. More than 20 law enforcement members signed up for at least one leg of the race. A total of 14 miles was covered during the race, passing by cheering elementary schools and culminating at city hall in Warrenton. “It’s amazing to believe this thing got started in Missouri in 1986,” said Warrenton Police Chief Greg Houdyshell. “It now covers about 1,000 miles with 1,140 runners. More than $2.3 million was raised last year.” Houdyshell said Warren County’s participation was the biggest yet, including members from the Foristell Police Department, the Warren County Sheriff’s Department, the Wright City Police Department and the Warrenton Police Department. The goal is twofold — to raise awareness and raise money for Special Olympics. Proceeds from the Torch Run will help offset hotel and food expenses for local and state events. “People’s eyes and hearts are opening to the mission,” said Houdyshell. “Once you start and see the faces and the smiles, it becomes really easy to forget about the work that goes into it.” Each year, Neal Hoeft, Special Olympic athlete, has opened the Torch Run event with the organization’s oath — “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” Guest speaker, 2013 Miss Missouri Ellie Holtman, compared her experiences competing in pageants to Special Olympians’ drive to win during their athletic events. She said much of the preparation work is the same. Also speaking at the event was Jane Hale, mother of athlete Josh Hale and former special education teacher. She said her son began Special Olympics 10 years ago. “At first, he would do things just one time,” she said. “I cannot believe how far he and the other athletes have come.” Hale said her son ran the entire 14 miles in Warren County’s first race five years ago. “You will see the most courageous and selfless acts at Special Olympics,” said Hale. “They are the epitome of sportsmanship.” Houdyshell said there has been more support this year in Warren County than he has ever seen. “I think we’re getting the message out,” he said. “We don’t want these athletes to have to pay anything to compete. We raised $3,700 last year and have already surpassed that this year.” The Law Enforcement Torch Run is held in all 50 states and 35 countries. The Missouri race is a four-day relay covering nearly 1,000 miles. After originating in more than 25 locations, it culminated at Hickman High School in Columbia for the state games held Friday, May 30, through Sunday, June 1.
Cops run to raise funds for Special Olympics
