Torch Run celebrates inclusion, raises $1,000 for Special Olympics

Aug. 02--GREENSBURG -- Police officers and Special Olympics athletes braved the summer heat and raised about $1,000 through the community's first Law Enforcement Torch Run last weekend, and the event was such a success that the city's police chief is already planning next year's outing.

Greensburg Chief of Police Brendan Bridges said five city officers were joined by Indiana State Police Master Trooper Tommy Walker and close to a dozen Special Olympians for Sunday's one-mile jaunt through the Tree City, which culminated in a cookout for athletes and their families.

The cookout alone drew around 70 athletes and their families to the campus of Greensburg's branch of Developmental Services, Inc. as officers grilled burgers and hot dogs not only to celebrate the run, but to show appreciation for people who overcome physical challenges every day.

"This is for them," Bridges said of the athletes. "This is for the hard work they put in."

Collectively, the athletes and offers were "guardians of the flame" as they carried an official torch used to light a cauldron during opening ceremonies of the annual Special Olympics Summer Games.

Road construction throughout the city forced a change in the route, but Bridges said the event wasn't at all hindered by the alterations. In spite of that minor hiccup, the first local torch run "went really well," the police chief said.

And much like Special Olympics as a whole, it was the people taking part that made the day something remarkable.

"The Greensburg Police Department is grateful to the Decatur County Special Olympics community for all their support and efforts," a GPD Facebook post reads. "Decatur County Special Olympics are in our hearts and will continue to be in our hearts."

Heart appeared to be one of the most important components of Sunday's run, as athletes and officers took part in the four-leg course. With temperatures in the mid-80s, it was no easy feat, but perseverance saw them through.

The officers taking part in addition to Bridges and Walker were GPD Capt. Mike McNealy, Lt. Chris Bridges, and Patrol Officers Michael Colson and Devin Moore. Retired former GPD Chief and Investigations Capt. Bill Meyerrose provided the cookout's signature food, and Sgt. Wayne Davis and Officer Eric Lusk participated in the activity as well.

Longtime Special Olympian Ann Smith went the distance alongside the officers, and finished the entire course.

She was joined by Christina Bates, Bradley Bevington, Karen Bundren, Andrew Bryant, Jennifer Johannigman, Jessica Johannigman, Tom Malone and Cindy Taskey. That group includes Special Olympics medal winners in a variety of sports, such as bocce, basketball, bowling, golf and more.

Bridges said the accomplishments of the athletes -- including their participation Sunday -- are something to celebrate, and he wanted the fundraising torch run to serve as way to recognize the athletes' innumerable contributions to the local community.

He said the torch run serves as a way to bolster athletes' confidence while promoting inclusion and offering a bit of well-deserved recognition.

"It's a big encouragement for them," said Bridges. "No matter what, we want them to know that their work isn't being unnoticed."

Greensburg Mayor Dan Manus said as much when he declared Sunday "Special Olympics Day" in Greensburg via a formal proclamation.

But for Bridges and the GPD crew -- and for the myriad athletes who contribute to their communities by working and taking part in a smorgasbord of activities throughout the year -- every day is "Special Olympics Day."

Bridges said he and other officers are already working to plan next year's route, which he hopes will include more officers and athletes.

The fledgling effort, however, was still a memorable one for all involved.

"This event could not have gone any better for a first go-around," police said on the department's Facebook page.

The run was also another way for police to interact with the community, which Bridges said is an important aspect of public safety.

"Anytime that we can work with the community face-to-face, that is definitely a great thing for the police department," the chief said. "We're always hoping to get involved with the community. We can't do our jobs without the public and the assistance of the community, and we want the community to be behind us. We have to have a strong working relationship."

Proceeds from the local torch run will be distributed among Special Olympics chapters throughout the state.

Bridges said he hopes to create another event, likely for next year, specifically targeted at helping the Decatur County chapter. Bridges, an avid cyclist, said that event may be a bike ride of some sort, though details have yet to become final.

Jenny Maddux, a Decatur County Special Olympics coordinator, thanked police for their efforts and said athletes were "excited" to take part in the inaugural run. She said the event was another show of support by a community that, by and large, sees Special Olympics athletes simply as people.

"That, to me, is the ultimate goal of Special Olympics or a service provider like DSI or the Arc of Decatur County," Maddux said. "Plain and simple, individuals with disabilities are people and equal parts of the community."

Maddux said Bridges, who has worked closely with local athletes and participated in a variety of events since his appointment as police chief, is seen as a trusted friend by local Special Olympians.

"They really look at Chief Bridges as like a family member," said Maddux. "They see him as somebody they can look up to."

The next big event for Special Olympics, the annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser, runs from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, in the Family Life Center of Greensburg'sFirst Baptist Church. Proceeds from the dinner help cover costs of Special Olympics athletic equipment. The church is located at 209 W. Washington St.

Contact: Brent Brown 812-663-3111 x7056; brent.brown@greensburgdailynews.com

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