Blake Day’s torch run highlights Ohio Special Olympics

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Ohio is a volunteer movement that was established by members of the law-enforcement community to support Special Olympics. Each year officers carry the Flame of Hope along with athletes into the Summer Games opening ceremonies at the Ohio State University. The flame symbolizes courage, perseverance and the inclusion movement taking place in Ohio and across the globe.

For those nominated and chosen to participate in a leg of the run, it is an honor. Getting to carry the torch into Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium in Columbus as part of the annual Special Olympics Ohio celebration is a once-in-a-lifetime thrill, and Holmes County’s own Blake Day was tabbed to help carry the torch into the stadium on the first of four legs of the official torch-lighting ceremony on June 23.

“That was a very special moment for Blake,” said his father Todd Day, who serves as the assistant coach with his wife, head coach Rachel Day, for the Holmes County adult athletes. “These types of incredible moments don’t come along very often, and Blake was extremely excited to be able to be a part of the torch run.”

Todd Day said they found out about the honor well ahead of time, giving Blake plenty of time to prepare, but they didn’t know which leg of the four stadium legs he would run. It turned out to be the initial leg that brings the torch into the arena, and Day said it was ideal because Blake got to run right in front of the massive cheering crowd.

“Blake never shows much emotion, so even though we knew he was both excited and nervous, he handled it well,” Day said. “We could tell on the drive down he was really thinking about it.”

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Ohio features law-enforcement members from throughout Ohio carrying the torch and passing it along from community to community throughout the state until it arrives in Columbus, where it goes to the Ohio State Patrol Academy near the stadium.

The torch entered the arena, each special athlete connecting with a law-enforcement agent. The torch made four quick legs around the track before officially lighting the ceremonial torch, much like the Olympics.

The four athletes chosen to run the torch for the opening ceremony, for which there were more than 100 nominations made, went to the academy to join law-enforcement officers for a short presentation.

The four athletes then returned to the stadium, and law-enforcement agents then ran the torch from the academy to Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium.

The Special Olympics Ohio Summer Games features plenty of track and field events and other games such as bowling, gymnastics, swimming, volleyball, bocce, soccer and more.

These games have given people with special needs a chance to compete.

And for three days, they did.

Holmes County was represented by two different groups, one being the Holmes County Board of Developmental Disabilities athletes coached by Cindy Boals, who nominated Day for the honor.

“She’s a longtime friend of Blake’s,” Day said of Boals.

The Days coach the Holmes County Special Olympics, which consists of people who aren’t necessarily connected to the BDD.

Blake Day’s credentials to participate in the torch ceremony are impressive. This marks his 21st time competing in the games, and he also has been involved with numerous community service components such as volunteering at the Love Center and the Holmes County Antique Festival.

Day said all of the athletes at the games love the joy of competition and the spirit of doing their best while cheering on one another.

He said the great thing about Special Olympics is that win or lose, they enjoy competing and participating in something this big. Whether they win or lose, they all share smiles and congratulations.

“You never see anyone pouting or stomping off the field,” Day said. “It’s so inspiring, and there is always an amazing crowd there to cheer them on. Jesse Owens was packed, and that only makes it more special for the athletes.”

Because of Blake Day’s special moment, he had plenty of family and friends there, as did all of the other Holmes County athletes. Joining Blake Day on the Holmes County team were Hope Snyder, Dennis Hershberger, Dane Morrison, Michael Harwood, Miranda Miller and Andrew Moorhead. Performing for the BDD team were Anson Miller, Holly Miller, Krystal Snell, Nicole Whitman, Shawn Garnes and Toni Munhollon.

Each performed well, bringing home awards and memories.

“Rachel and I have loved being able to coach our Special Olympic athletes for many years,” Day said. “It was even more special with Blake carrying the torch for the opening ceremonies, but overall, our athletes had a really great time performing and competing, and they did well. I think everyone was tired but very satisfied with the experience.”