Law enforcement battle heat, wind at Special Olympics Torch Run (VIDEO)

Ellis County law enforcement officials run down Vine Street for the annual Special Olympics Torch Run — Ellis County law enforcement officials on Vine Street in Hays for the annual Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run

By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

It was too windy to light the torch, but efforts to raise awareness for a good cause were not extinguished, as more than a dozen Ellis County officers ran in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics.

“It is a good opportunity for the brotherhood of law enforcement to get together and represent and support the Special Olympic athletes, coaches and families,” said Hays Assistant Police Chief Brian Dawson. “The Special Olympics — it’s a great thing.”

According to the Western Kansas Special Olympics Director of Development Luke Schulte, law enforcement officers are participating in Torch Runs across the state in preparation for Friday’s start of the Summer Special Olympics in Wichita.

“It is all for the athletes,” Schulte said. “Our athletes here in Hays love their law enforcement officers, so the Torch Run goes on to honor those athletes and … shows that relationship.”

Special Olympic athletes, coaches and family members greet Torch Run participants, S. Main Street in Hays.

A lane of traffic was blocked off as colleagues in police cars escorted the runners (and one bicyclist) from the starting point of the Walmart parking lot, down Vine Street to 27th, and then south on Main Street, to the finish line at the National Guard Armory. They were greeted there by more than 20 area Special Olympic athletes, coaches and families with hugs and handshakes.

Ellis County Sheriff Ed Harbin was one of the first to finish the more than three-mile run through the hot, gusting wind.

“(When) you see all the smiles and the joy and excitement these guys have for us, it is worth every bit of it,” Harbin said.

VIDEO