The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics in Warren County is returning this year, with local police, firefighters and medics fundraising for special needs athletic programs.

On May 27 at 9 a.m., a group of first responders and athletes will depart from the McDonalds in Wright City on a run along Veterans Memorial Parkway all the way to downtown Warrenton. Along the way, they’re hoping to see community supporters along the route cheering on the participants.

The torch run is one of the biggest events of the year to raise awareness and funding for Special Olympics, said Warrenton Police Lt. Justin Unger. Funding raised by first responders helps athletes attend Special Olympics events without any cost to the athletes’ families.

The torch run was one of many events that were canceled last year in the wave of COVID shutdowns, along with the Special Olympics events themselves. Unger said police and first responders felt it was important for the community for the torch run to return this year.

“It’s near and dear to our hearts. We get to know these athletes, we get to know their families. Just to be able to do so much for that, to me it’s the most important thing we do in the community all year,” Unger commented. “We don’t want to let these kids down. ... And to lose last year’s participation, we want to make it as good as we can this year.”

Planning for the torch run is getting a late start this year, Unger said. And because officers weren’t as free to make community visits promoting and fundraising for Special Olympics, police are putting out a call for community members to consider supporting through their presence or through donations.

“If members of the community are interested in supporting the athletes, they can contact the police department to make monetary donations, and if they don’t want to do that, I think (in-person) participation is very important to root those athletes on, and our first responders who are going to be out there with them,” Unger commented.

Those interested in supporting the torch run can call the Warrenton Police Department at 636-456-3535 and ask for Lt. Unger.

He added that while participants are stopped in groups at the beginning and end of the run, they’ll be following COVID-related guidelines to keep everyone healthy.

The local partner agency that provides coordination for Special Olympics athletes is Warren County Handicapped Services. Executive Director Kelli Clodfelter said the athletes are excited to be able to return to outdoor events this year, and always enjoy participating in the torch run.

“They are so happy, and they just love our law enforcement, (who have) always been such great supporters of what we do. It’s a great experience for everyone; the families and the athletes,” Clodfelter said. “This time last year, everybody was in their houses and they couldn’t go anywhere. ... As we open up everything, we have parents that are grateful and athletes that are very excited.”

As another way to support these athletes, Clodfelter commented that the Special Olympics program is always looking for more volunteers to help run the teams.

Clodfelter added that Handicapped Services is also in need of financial support for construction of its new facility in Warrenton, which will provide improved services and programs for all of the nonprofit agency’s clients. 

Those who wish to provide financial or volunteer support can contact Handicapped Services by calling 636-456-7518.