Torch Run comes through Pocatello, raising Special Olympics awareness
POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) – The Torch Run has been making its way through Idaho, beginning in Bonner's Ferry and stopping on Wednesday in Fort Hall and Pocatello to raise awareness for Special Olympics. In collaboration with law enforcement and local organizations, Special Olympics athletes get to run alongside local heroes, carrying the Flame of Hope.
The Torch Run began in 1981 in Wichita, Kansas, as a fundraiser for their local Special Olympics teams. That original run through town generated $300. Now, officials say the tradition has raised $1 billion for Special Olympics around the world.
"We run the torch prior to the summer games for awareness," said Mike Fitch, Law Enforcement Torch Run Liaison for Special Olympics of Idaho. "We're working our way through east Idaho now, and we'll do the Treasure Valley next week. A big piece of this is for awareness about Special Olympics and the joint effort between law enforcement and Special Olympics in general."
The group has run 1,100 miles in the northern part of the state already, and plans to do another 800 miles in the coming week before the summer games kick off. More than 100,000 officers participate annually in the tradition of the Torch Run.
All the funds from events like the Torch Run put on by Special Olympics go back to the athletes. Fitch said they help to pay for uniforms, travel equipment, health screenings, and more. The run itself is more about awareness, as local sponsors take care of funding.
Les Schwab Tires is the primary sponsor. "We also have Jackson's Food Stores, Bank of America, and Lookout Credit Union, who have all chipped in money for sponsorship so that we were able to turn a profit this year," Fitch said.
Earlier in the day on May 20, the group ran in Fort Hall, completing a four-mile relay. Athletes and officials both get to hold the torch. In Pocatello, PPD, Chubbuck Police, and Bannock County Sheriffs participated.
"Law enforcement are considered guardians of the flame, and it's the flame of hope they're carrying," Fitch said. "It puts a spotlight on the relationship between law enforcement and Special Olympics, and of course, the torch symbolizes the Olympics in general, so we'll run the torch all the way around the state."
Opening ceremonies will happen at Nampa High School for the summer games, where a cauldron will be lit on May 29 at 6 pm.
