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Boswell’s Law Enforcement Special Olympics Torch Run supported by Magee Police, Simpson County Sheriff
Area law enforcement made an afternoon last week special for Boswell Regional Center’s Special Olympics athletes by participating in the 51st annual Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run as it passed through Simpson County.
Beginning in north Mississippi Monday morning, separate torches travelled through Mississippi last week courtesy of law enforcement officers from around the state, who handed off the torch at various stops enroute to Biloxi. The torches are used to light the cauldron at the State Special Olympics Games’ opening ceremony at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi.
Arriving first in Mendenhall, Biloxi Police Officer Tommy Snyder ran with the torch to Mendenhall Elementary School. Several hundred students were gathered on the front lawn with hand-drawn signs and banners, excitedly cheering the torch runner as he made his way to the school. Principal Dr. Rhonda Berry said students had been looking forward to the event all week, adding, “They appreciate our law enforcement officers and wanted to show their support. And, they are excited about seeing the Special Olympics torch.”
From there, City of Magee Police and Simpson County Sheriff’s Office picked up the torch and ran with it into Boswell’s campus, where a culmination ceremony was held.
“The Special Olympics Torch Run is something to which we look forward all year,” said Magee Police Chief Randy Crawford, whose officers carried the torch into Boswell’s campus. “We are proud of our local athletes and are happy to give them a special sendoff.”
Crawford led the assembled group at Boswell in reciting the pledge of allegiance. All flags at Boswell were lowered to hald staff in honor of fallen Biloxi Police Officer Robert McKeithen. Biloxi Police Major Chris Deback organizes the annual run throughout the state. Biloxi Police also escort each runner throughout the state to completion on Friday at Keesler.
City of Magee Police officers that ran with the torch include Officers Shane Little and Christopher Jones. Simpson County Sheriff’s Deputy Shane Brown joined them in the run leading to a ceremony on Boswell’s campus.
Other speakers included Magee Mayor Dale Berry who encouraged the athletes to “represent Magee well at the Games, adding, “Boswell, we love you – we are very happy to have this center in Magee and to have each and every one of you as part of the Magee community.”
All funds raised during the Torch Run goes toward training, transportation and other things that contribute toward the Summer Games’ successful operations.
