Law enforcement run for special olympians
Annual Torch Run raises money for Special Olympics Maryland
The 2018 Torch Run for Special Olympics Maryland was hosted in La Plata on June 7, which brought together local law enforcement agencies, special needs athletes, their families and members of the Charles County community.
The community came out to show its support by walking or running 3 miles in the Texas Roadhouse area of La Plata and raise $63,000
for Special Olympics in the process.
Sgt. Gus Proctor with the Charles County Sheriff’s Office has been coordinating the Torch Run event for 12 years and has collected thousands of dollars in Torch Run T-shirt sales.
More than 100 businesses in the county supported Special Olympics Maryland by purchasing 2018 Torch Run apparel, according to the sheriff’s office.
“I’ve been doing this since 2006. This run is all about our special running athletes; it allows them to participate and train in year around sporting events, free of charge to them and their families,” Proctor said.
“These athletes just want to be included and I enjoy being a part of that,” Proctor said.
Christina Ratcliffe, 43, of Hughesville said she was excited to be walking in this year’s torch run. She said that at the end of June she will be traveling to Seattle to participate in the National Special Olympics, where she will be swimming in the 100 meter backstroke, 100 meter breaststroke, 50 meter backstroke and the 400 relay.
La Plata Mayor Jeannine James also showed her support at the torch run. She said that she is “thrilled to support Charles County torch run every year.”
James said since it is centered in La Plata this year, there were many Town of La Plata staff assisting, as well as La Plata Police Department officers.
“We appreciate Gus [Proctor] and all his effort,” James said.
Adam Lowe, a physical education teacher at Thomas Stone High School, Tristian Palmer, a track student at Thomas Stone High School, and Sierra Walker, a recent graduate of North Point High School, were the first runners to complete the torch run Thursday morning.
They said they were happy to come out to run and support Special Olympics.
Kristi Nelson of Hughesville participated in the torch run with her daughter Emily Nelson with Ainsley Angels, an organization that builds awareness for the special needs community.
Nelson said that Emily loves to meet new people and enjoys the team spirit. She said that this was Emily’s third time participating in the torch run.
“This is her time to be
normal,” Nelson about Emily.
Lily Cusack, 9, of Port said Tobacco, also with Ainsley Angels, who just learned to walk two months ago, participated in the torch run as well and walked the last few yards to the finish line, where her mother was waiting for her with open arms.
Local restaurants such as Rucci’s Famous Deli and Doughboys, Texas Roadhouse and Chickfil-A offered participants food and refreshments by the finish line following run.
Charles County Sheriff Troy Berry (D) also ran in the torch run.
“Participating in Special Olympics in Maryland is a wonderful event; it brings awareness to our wonderful athletes in our community and gives them an opportunity to raise money, so they can go out and participate in the state games as well as the international games,” Berry said.
“It’s just a wonderful opportunity to participate and show love for one another here in our community,” Berry said.