Police participate in Torch Run for Special Olympics

The sun was shining and blue skies prevailed for the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics through Stark and Tuscarawas counties on June 27. This is the third year for the event, and the torch was carried throughout Ohio. The Special Olympics began on June 28 at the Ohio State University. The opening ceremonies were held Friday night with the parade of athletes.

The event began in Navarre with Police Chief Chad Shetler, Sgt. Alec Hall and officer James West running the first leg from the Navarre corporation limit, state Route 21 north of the village to Erie Valley Fire Department at the south corporation limit. A recreational vehicle driven by Nate Samples, assistant state director of the torch run, brought the torch to Strasburg, where Strasburg Police Cpl. Kayla Morrison and Police Cpl. Connor Bailey continued the run from El Campesino’s Restaurant on North Wooster Avenue, ending at the south end of the village near Hardee’s Restaurant.

As the torch run continued in Dover, officers Sean Leffler, Josh Roach and Garett Newsome ran the next leg across the boulevard to New Philadelphia, where Police Chief Tessa Pohovey and officers Bradley Geist, Dakota Hill, Kyle Kelley and Kaitlyn Warrick carried the torch to the corporation limit. Samples then drove the RV to Sugarcreek, where officer James Long ran the last leg and carried the torch to Holmes County, where it continued its journey to Columbus.

Others who participated in the run through Strasburg were the Strasburg Police Department and Strasburg Fire Department; Brad and Deb Fuller of Strasburg, Special Olympics bocce coaches; and Allison Halsey and Sarah McVey and mascot Wesley the Yorkie of Port Washington. Halsey coaches track events for Special Olympics.

Richelle Lefler, Special Olympics coordinator, said the torch arrived at the police academy in Columbus, and the police run the torch to the OSU stadium to light the flame. She said there are 40 athletes and 25 chaperones attending the event from Tuscarawas County. The Special Olympics event will close on Sunday evening.

“This event is powerful and tiring for the athletes that range in age from 11-65; however, they come away with pride. We want the athletes to see as much around the campus as possible, and we will be having a scavenger just for the Tuscarawas County Rockets,” she said.

The event can be viewed on the Tuscarawas County Rockets Facebook page.