As a group of runners donning orange T-shirts descended the hill toward Warrenton City Hall last Wednesday, a gathering of young athletes anxiously awaited their turn to join them. Law enforcement …
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Torch Run raises awareness for Special Olympics
Posted
By Derrick Forsythe, Record Staff Writer
As a group of runners donning orange T-shirts descended the hill toward Warrenton City Hall last Wednesday, a gathering of young athletes anxiously awaited their turn to join them.Law enforcement officers from four different departments made the 11.3-mile trek from the commuter lot in Foristell to downtown Warrenton last Wednesday as part of the Special Olympics Torch Run.Filtering in with a burst of energy, Special Olympics athletes helped them finish the final few blocks before ending up at the pavilion where a ceremony followed.Some of the athletes had also run at the beginning and others were along for the entire trip, taking turns running. Among them was Michael Mohrmann, who was named the 2016 Missouri Special Olympics Athlete of the Year.Mohrmann was one of the guest speakers at the closing ceremony, sharing his experience and gratitude for the opportunity to be able to compete in Special Olympics. Event Coordinator Kevin Swofford said this is just one of many ways local law enforcement and emergency personnel can help support young athletes with disabilities.“For me, all the hard work and long hours that go into planning these type of events is nothing in comparison to the smiles and gratitude on the faces of the athletes,” said Swofford.Last year Warren County raised $19,176 through a variety of fundraisers, including the Polar Plunge, Tip-a-Cop and Over the Edge.“That’s what it’s all about — is to bring awareness and give these guys opportunities they would not otherwise have,” said Swofford.This year 22 local officers participated in the torch run, which began 31 years ago in Wichita, Kan. The keynote speaker at this year’s ceremony was Sgt. Mark Koeller from the St. Louis County Police Department. Koeller recently represented Missouri in the 2017 Special Olympics World Games in Austria.Concluding Wednesday’s event was Sarah Lewis, who recited the Special Olympic’s athletes’ oath, “Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”Swofford said the group will be raffling $5 tickets June 11 at Walmart for a new vehicle.The Special Olympics athletes leave on June 2 to compete in the track and field and volleyball state games in Springfield.“For me it means a lot, because our community is amazing whenever it comes to Special Olympics,” said Swofford. “For as small as our community is, to raise over $19,000 in one year for this organization is a true testament to their support.
Members of the Warren County Handicapped and Special Olympics participants join in for the final few blocks of the Law Enforcement Torch Run held on May 24. The race began at the commuter lot in Foristell and finished 12 miles later in downtown Warrenton. Record photo/Derrick Forsythe.
