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At Noon Wednesday, Main Street Magee was filed with law enforcement vehicles, runners, and fire trucks! The Law Enforcement Special Olympics Torch Run (LETR) swept into Magee with law official from all over the state. The Biloxi PD begin the run in MS several years ago and continue to participate in all state runs.
I was fortunate to have an upclose and personal view of the run. Following Chief Randy Crawford, the MageeNews.com golf cart was positioned in-front of the runners with the MFD ladder truck and additional law enforcement agency following.
I have a special place in my heart for Boswell (Sanatorium), the employees, and the residents. Two Boswell residents joined the run on Main Street. Honestly, I thought one of the runners was going to end up in the golf cart with me! He was so proud and thrilled to “run the race.” Both of the runners will participate in the Special Olympics 2018 Summer Games beginning Friday, May 11 and continuing through the 13th.
(Area law enforcement agencies that participated in today’s activities)
Many of the Boswell residents lined the street cheering their two runners to the finish line! A program at the Boswell Industries Building (old Fred’s) gave an opportunity to recognize these athletics and learn more about the Torch Run and Special Olympics program.
LETR began in 1981 when Wichita, Kansas, Police Chief Richard LaMunyon created the Torch Run. He thought the Torch Run would help law enforcement be active in the community and support Special Olympics Kansas. In 1983, Chief LaMunyon presented the program to the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). They decided to endorse Torch Run and became the “Founding Law Enforcement Organization.” With the IACP’s support, LETR became the movement’s largest public awareness and fundraising group for Special Olympics.
There are over 97,000 law enforcement members that carry the “Flame of Hope” annually. The flame symbolizes courage and celebration of diversity uniting communities around the globe.
The Special Olympics is the world’s largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, providing year-round training and competitions to 5 million athletes and Unified States Sports partners in 172 countries. Wikipedia
Eunice Kennedy Shriver founded the organization in 1968.
Best of luck to our athletics. We in Magee are backing Boswell!
