By Cindy GladdenRecord Staff WriterThe sixth annual Warren County Torch Run to raise funds for Special Olympics was held Wednesday, May 27.Warrenton Police Chief Greg Houdyshell, who organizes the event, said that it was a highly charged day as he watched the event unfold.“It’s an emotional day,” he said. “It always will be. There is nothing like it.”Agencies whose officers volunteered to run for Special Olympics included the Foristell Police Department, Wright City Police Department, the Warren County Sheriff’s Department and Warrenton Police Department.More than 20 officers lined up at Fastlane in Foristell to start the run. Special Olympians and their coaches joined them along the way. The athletes finished the run at Warrenton City Hall where parents and supporters gathered.Check out the photo gallery from the event here: http://bit.ly/1cvrLKJAs the community stood on the sidelines and waited for the runners, one mom couldn’t wait for her daughter to come into sight.Catalina Kuhn, at just 9 years old, was joining the Torch Run for the first time.“She’s the littlest one,” said Rebecca Kuhn. “This is an opportunity for her to feel successful. It is very hard for me to let go. I want to shelter her so no one takes advantage of her.”Catalina was beaming as she led the pack on the last lap of the run.The first Torch Run held in Missouri began in 1986 with approximately 100 runners, raising $15,000. Houdyshell said now a combined 1,100 miles are covered with more than 1,642 runners. More than $2.4 million has been raised to help send Missouri athletes to Special Olympics.This year 15,000 Missouri athletes will compete in volleyball, bowling, basketball, soccer, and track and field. Funds raised support the expenses of local athletes competing in year-round sports training and athletic competitions.Houdyshell said in the past he hoped to receive corporate donations to help the cause, and this year one local family made that wish come true.David Meyers, of B. Green Plumbing and Drain Cleaning, said his family wanted to support local law enforcement and the community and felt the Torch Run was a perfect way to contribute.Meyers said he grew up in a humble farm family, but the community has supported the family business, helping it to become a success. The Meyers family presented Houdyshell a check for $1,500. Overall, the Torch Run raised approximately $6,700, according to Houdyshell.Warren County Prosecuting Attorney Kelly King, who served as guest speaker, said the annual Torch Run is an opportunity to do something for the athletes “who inspire all of us.”“They learn teamwork, fitness and commitment, while it teaches us acceptance,” she said. “The community should continue to educate and support Special Olympics. All of us should aspire to live by the Special Olympics pledge.”Recited before every event is the oath memorized by Special Olympic athletes: “Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”Laurie Jansen, mother of athlete Jessica Jansen, introduced her daughter as a recent high school graduate and a Special Olympics athlete.“She began with team basketball,” said Jansen.“We had to teach her a granny-style shot because she couldn’t get it to the basket. When she made her first basket, I’ll never forget the look on her face when she turned to find us in the crowd.”Torch Run