May 24, 2018
Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics makes way through Sikeston
SIKESTON — The Statewide Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Missouri passed through Southeast Missouri Wednesday. Founded by the Missouri Police Chiefs Association 31 years ago, the run began Monday and will continue through June 1. Law Enforcement officers from around the state are running the torch to raise awareness for Special Olympics Missouri, and the 2018 State Summer Games, which will be June 1-3 in Springfield...
By Leonna Heuring/Standard Democrat
SIKESTON — The Statewide Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Missouri passed through Southeast Missouri Wednesday.
Founded by the Missouri Police Chiefs Association 31 years ago, the run began Monday and will continue through June 1.
Law Enforcement officers from around the state are running the torch to raise awareness for Special Olympics Missouri, and the 2018 State Summer Games, which will be June 1-3 in Springfield.
On Wednesday participants ran a leg from South Main Street to U.S. Highway 61 north. The leg began in the parking lot of the Sikeston Walmart and concluded in the parking lot of Cape First of Sikeston Church.
Agencies represented in the Sikeston leg of the run included Sikeston Department of Public Safety; Charleston Department of Public Safety; Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; South Scott County Ambulance; and New Madrid County Ambulance.
On hand for Wednesday’s Torch Run in Sikeston was Special Olympics Missouri athlete Logan Gardner of Sikeston, who marked his sixth consecutive year running in the Sikeston leg.
Logan will compete in track and field and volleyball June 1-3 at the Summer Games. He is the son of Tim and Melody Gardner of Sikeston, has previously been selected as the Outstanding Athlete of the Year for the Southeast Area Special Olympics.
“He wouldn’t miss it,” said Melody Gardner of her son’s desire to participate in the Torch Run.
Logan also plays other sports including tennis, basketball, softball and bowling throughout the year.
“We’re thankful to the law enforcement officers. Law Enforcement is a big support to Special Olympics. These guys care, and they are there for us every year.”
Gardner said she wished others knew how much law enforcement cares and supports not only Special Olympics Missouri but others in the community.
“It’s not about Logan; it’s about how caring and supportive the law enforcement officers are,” Melody Gardner said. “Logan loves them all, and he will tell you that.”
Special Olympics Missouri athlete Adam Graham was also part of Wednesday’s Torch Run leg in Sikeston. It was the first time Graham participated, and he ran the entire leg.
As the end of Sikeston’s leg neared on Wednesday, Brent Mullin, school resource officer with Sikeston DPS, and Sgt. Derick Wheetley with Sikeston DPS hoisted Logan on their shoulders. Logan smiled and yelled: “Yee-haw!” as they rounded the corner to end the run in the parking lot of Cape First of Sikeston.
The entire group cheered as the run was over, and then a group of officers including Mullin and Wheetley gathered around Logan for a group selfie.
“We hope more people start paying attention to Special Olympics Missouri runs,” Mullin said. “Athletes like Logan deserve a chance to play in a sport just like anyone else.”
Later on, after catching their breath and quenching their thirst with cold bottles of water, Logan talked about how much his law enforcement friends mean to him. He likes them all, but is especially close to Wheetley and Mullin.
Logan pointed to the two DPS officers and said: “We’re friends for life.”
The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is an annual event. The guiding purpose of the event is to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Missouri. Special Olympics is law enforcement’s charity of choice, not only in Missouri, but worldwide.
More than 2,500 runners from 119 agencies from across the state are participating in the 2018 Torch Run. These runners will complete 38 different routes and cover more than 1,000 miles across Missouri.
Missouri law enforcement agencies are attempting to raise $2.2 million this year through various fundraising initiatives including the Polar Plunge, selling Torch Run T-shirts and organizing special events such as the World’s Largest Truck Convoy, Over the Edge and Tip-A-Cop events.
“They are passionate about raising money and awareness for SOMO. Law enforcement has been the largest supporter of the Special Olympics movement worldwide; we are forever grateful,” said Mark Musso, SOMO President and CEO.
In 2017, Missouri’s Torch Run was awarded the ranking of No. 7 in the world based on gross dollars raised. Last year $12,000 was raised by the Sikeston Missouri Special Olympics group.
Other Torch Run routes run in Southeast Missouri were Tuesday in Cape Girardeau and Thursday in Dexter with legs being run through Missouri until June 1. The culmination of the Torch Run — the lighting of the Flame of Hope — will take place during the opening ceremony at 7 p.m. June 1 at Hammons Student Center.
Torch Run T-shirts are still available for purchase, Wheetley said. For more information, visit the Facebook page: “Sikeston MO Special Olympics.”
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