Law enforcement officers from around Warren County gathered at Diekroeger Park last Friday to do their part in taking the Olympic Torch across the state of Missouri.
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Law enforcement officers from around Warren County gathered at Diekroeger Park last Friday along with the Warren County Pathfinders and Special Olympics athletes, to do their part in taking the Olympic Torch across the state of Missouri.
From Diekroeger Park the group set off, traveling west on Veterans Memorial Parkway. From there they traveled through Wright City and Truesdale before arriving at their final destination, downtown Warrenton and the City Annex, where they held a barbecue.
Wright City Police Chief Tom Canavan was one of the law enforcement officers present at Diekroeger Park Friday morning.
“It gives us an opportunity to interact with the community outside of times of crisis,” said Canavan. “It also gives us the opportunity to participate in a good cause.”
The yearly event is used to raise awareness for Special Olympics Missouri and has a long tradition of law enforcement participation. According to Warrenton Police Chief Larry Ellard, law enforcement agencies have already raised $1.5 million in this year’s events statewide.
“Every bit that we do gives other people the chance to participate in the Olympics,” Ellard said.
Like other Special Olympics organizations, Special Olympics Missouri provides members with the opportunity to compete in a number of sports along with outside programming to further enrich the lives of its members.
There were also plenty of Special Olympics athletes from Warren County Pathfinders who participated in Friday’s events.
One competitor, Brandon Busdieker said he always looks forward to the torch run.
“I love doing the torch run, because there’s nothing like it in Warrenton,” he said.
Busdieker competes in bowling, softball and track and field events. Other athletes, like Torre Frye were also appreciative of the opportunity to support local law enforcement through the event.
Frye competes in basketball and softball.
Special Olympics programs in the local area are organized by Warren County Handicapped Services. For more information about getting involved or supporting Special Olympics, go online to www.wchsmo.org/specialolympics, or call program coordinator Rich Black at 636-456-7518.
