ST. JOHN VALLEY — Police officers and other law enforcement personnel from around the state are once again participating in the annual Torch Run to benefit the Maine Special Olympics.
The event features groups of officers and supporters running relay style with the Torch of Hope from each end of the state, north and south, to raise awareness and, in many cases, donations for the Special Olympics, which will be held this weekend at the University of Maine in Orono.
This year, more than 700 officers are taking part statewide, with one torch traveling south, beginning in Fort Kent on Wednesday and heading to Madawaska, then Caribou, Presque Isle, Houlton and south to Orono. A second torch departed Kittery with similar groups passing the torch off to each other as it travels northward to also arrive Friday afternoon at the university for the opening ceremonies.
Officers from the Fort Kent and Madawaska police departments were joined Wednesday by comrades from the Maine Forest Service and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency to carry the torch on the first legs of its journey south.
Last year, law enforcement personnel raised nearly $400,000 for the organization through the Torch Run and other fundraisers.
Madawaska officers raised more than $1,300 this year with their Torch Run activities.
Fort Kent participants met the Madawaska runners in Frenchville. When runners reached downtown Madawaska, they were joined by community members and staff and clients from St. John Valley Associates, and were escorted by other police officers.
Annually, more than 85,000 law enforcement officers participate in the torch run throughout 35 nations, 12 Canadian provinces and 50 U.S. states. Officers have raised more than $500 million since the Torch Run started in 1981.
All funds raised through the Torch Run benefit Maine Special Olympics athletes directly, by purchasing sports equipment and uniforms, and paying for athletic trainers. Funds are also used by organizers for the rental of sports facilities, coaches and officials, athlete travel expenses for special events and out of state competitions.
-
- Law enforcement officers from Fort Kent meet up with Madawaska officers on U.S. Route 1 in Frenchville, to pass the “torch of hope,” on Wednesday, June 7. The annual Torch Run raises monies to benefit Maine Special Olympics. (Contributed)
-
- U.S. Customs and Border patrol agents Scott Albert, left, and Scott Casey, lead a group of fellow officers and community members through downtown Madawaska, Wednesday, June 7, as part of the annual Torch Run for Maine Spacial Olympics. (Staff photo/Linda Pelletier)
