Sikeston DPS organizes 5K run for Special Olympics

SIKESTON -- A 5K run will coincide with this year's St. Patrick's Day festivities in Historic Downtown Sikeston while also benefitting Special Olympics Missouri.

Set for March 15, the first St. Patty's 5K Run for Special Olympics is being organized by the Sikeston Department of Public Safety.

"We were contacted by the city in reference to the festival going on that same day," Shane Washburn of Sikeston DPS recalled about how the event was developed. "We're always asking for new ideas to raise funds for Special Olympics Missouri, and they thought it'd be neat to do a 5K the day of the St. Patrick's Day festival."

DPS wound up getting numerous sponsors, said Washburn, who coordinates fundraisers for the department.

Det. John Blakely of DPS, who is co-coordinating the event with Washburn, said he's excited about one of DPS' newest events to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics.

"We try to raise more money for Special Olympics each year, and this will be one of our biggest fundraisers," Blakely predicted. "The community helps a lot. Even though times are tough, they dig deep in their pockets and are able to donate and help out."

For the complete story, see an upcoming edition of the Standard Democrat.