Area police officers continue the tradition of helping the State Summer Games

IDAHO FALLS – It was a good day for an afternoon run as about two dozen law enforcement members met up Tuesday at the Waterfront.

It was an even better day to carry a torch for a special cause.

Idaho State Police, Idaho Falls Police, Pocatello Police and officers from the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office all participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run, which started at the Waterfront and culminated at Teton Toyota in Idaho Falls.

The event is a lead-up to the Special Olympics Idaho State Summer Games, which will be held June 6-7 in Nampa for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

The torch run helps raise awareness for the State Summer Games and takes place throughout the state, with various police agencies participating.

“Obviously it’s a great cause and something to bring as much attention to as we can,” said Tony Cox of the Idaho Falls Police Department, who was the lead torch bearer at the start of the run. “I just wanted to be a part of it.”

Under a warm sun, runners made the 1.3 mile-jaunt, taking turns holding the torch before finally arriving to applause at the car dealership.

“We are really reliant upon law enforcement,” said Mike Fitch, who is the Law Enforcement Torch Run Liaison/Fundraising Manager for Special Olympics Idaho. “They are a huge aspect of our fundraising and of our awareness campaign. Going back to 1981, law enforcement has been hand in hand with Special Olympics and we’re just trying to build on that relationship.”

Fitch noted the torch runs themselves are not fundraisers, but part of raising awareness for the Special Games, where athletes from across the state will converge and compete in basketball, flag football, track and field, cycling and aquatics.

According to Special Olympics Idaho, carrying the Flame of Hope has been a law enforcement tradition since 1981 when law enforcement leaders in Wichita, Kansas sought to support their local Special Olympics athletes.

Tuesday it was Idaho Falls’ turn.

The torch run will take place in Rigby (10 a.m.), Shelley (noon) and Fort Hall (3 p.m.) on Wednesday and then move on to Twin Falls on Thursday.

The Idaho Law Enforcement Torch Run will conclude at the Opening Ceremony of the State Summer Games on June 6 at Nampa High School.

“We are proud to be part of this movement and honored to support the incredible athletes of Special Olympics Idaho,” Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue, Director of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Idaho, said in a statement. “Carrying the Flame of Hope is a symbol of our commitment to inclusion, respect, and community.”