By Christoph Wilkinson
At 6:30 p.m. May 30, law enforcement agencies from around the state will carry the torch into BYU”s Track and Field Stadium to open the 2002 Special Olympic Summer Games.
The Torch Run began May 10 at the Provo Tabernacle and has visited cities throughout Utah to increase awareness of Utah”s Special Olympic Summer Games.
“I think it is important to show the impact and significance of the Special Olympics,” said Officer Brent Ericson, Salt Lake County Sheriff”s Department.
“Just as the Olympics ran from city to city, we have done the same in Utah to get everybody excited for the games.”
Officer Robert Hansen, Salt Lake County Sheriff”s Department, said he believes the 2002 Special Olympics will be more successful than previous years because of the extra involvement of law enforcement officers.
“I”ve been involved with the Special Olympics for 25 years, and this year is one of the best,” said Gary Slaymaker, head coach of Hartvigsen School, a participating school in the Special Olympics.
“I run a little bit slower, but the excitement grows that much more every year,” Slaymaker said.
The final leg of the torch run started with a ceremony Wednesday, honoring law enforcement agencies from around the state that have donated their time and energy in raising funds for Utah”s Special Olympics.
Athletes and coaches from local participating schools lined Salt Lake City”s streets to show their appreciation and to give thanks to law enforcement agencies.
“I have worked with the police department, and I know they have put a lot into this program,” said Lynda Simmons, principal of Hartvigsen School. “From serving food to running in the streets, they have been with us every inch of the way.”
To add to the excitement of the games, local participants ran a short distance along side of the torch to prepare for today”s activities.
“It”s fun to support and participate in the Special Olympics process,” Simmons said. “This whole experience really adds to what we teach the kids.”
Simmons said the Special Olympics teaches the kids responsibility, decision making and great lessons they would not learn elsewhere.
