Rain Halts for Law Enforcement Torch Run

The rain let up just in time to let athletes run with troopers for the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Missouri on May 22. The first section of the run was in Willow Springs, and the second was in West Plains. 

 

The run began at the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop G headquarters shortly after 8:00 a.m. The thirteen troopers ran down Main Street in downtown Willow Springs, ending at Tractor Supply Co. as they warmed up for the second leg of the race. The Troopers took a brief bus ride to the next leg of their journey.

 

In West Plains, the troopers ran from Heritage Tractor down Porter Wagoner Boulevard to the Broadway intersection. They ran east down Broadway, where they met up with Special Olympics Howell County athletes at Cedarhurst Senior Living on US 63. There, the troopers and athletes spoke with the men and women at the assisted living facility, taking photos and taking a short rest for the final leg of the run to Dairy Queen. Athletes carried the torch to its final destination in town. 

 

The Special Olympics provides year-round sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. There are numerous sports that athletes participate in, including baseball and softball, golf, power lifting, swimming, and many more. If you are in Howell County and would like to learn how you or your athlete can participate, visit somo.org or email the local branch at SpecialOlympicsHowellCounty@yahoo.com.