Law enforcement torch run benefits Lake County Special Olympics
Rob Zolman
The Flame of Hope is carried high through downtown Polson.
Rob Zolman
Rob Zolman
Zaylei Rafiu waves to fans along Friday's parade route.
Rob Zolman
Joel Dumontier is all smiles as he carries the Olympic flame.
Rob Zolman
Olympian Joel Dumontier is all smiles as he carries the Olympic flame.
Rob Zolman
Cherry Valley students cheer for the fellow school Olympians along the parade route.
Rob Zolman
Rob Zolman
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POLSON – Local law enforcement officers were out in force Friday in Lake County. Their mission wasn’t to fight crime but to help raise awareness and cash for the Montana Special Olympics.
Beginning at the Polson High School and finishing in Arlee, special Olympians, law enforcement and first responders all took turns carrying the Flame of Hope as they made their way through the valley along U.S. Highway 93.
Every year thousands of law enforcement officers hit the streets, highways and byways carrying the Flame of Hope covering more than 2,000 miles of big sky country to raise funds and public awareness for Special Olympics Montana.
“The torch run is really important,” said officer Oscar Garcia of the Polson City Police Department. “A lot of people don’t realize what these athletes have to go through to be able to participate in sports. Funds help purchase equipment and pay for the travel expenses to the games.”
Last year, various law enforcement agencies across Montana combined to raise more than $650,000 for Special Olympics Montana. “Just like anybody, these athletes want a chance to compete,” said Garcia who helped organize Friday’s run.
People carrying the torch will zigzag across the state to allow different counties a chance to bring attention to the games and carry the flame to the opening ceremony. The Flame of Hope will be used to light the Olympic cauldron, which officially begins the Montana State Special Olympics Summer Games in Great Falls on May 15.
For the athletes in the Mission Valley, Olympic competition begins at the Five Valleys Area Spring Games in Missoula on Wednesday, May 1, and ends on Friday. The competition will also take place in Frenchtown with track and field events, followed by a Bocce Tournament on Thursday at Playfair Park in Missoula, and on Friday aquatic games will be at Missoula Family YMCA.
Garcia encourages community members to come watch and cheer on the athletes. “You can’t get a more determined and competitive athlete,” he said. “Yet they care about everyone else around them.”
