The Special Olympics torch left Emporia on Thursday headed to Wichita today for the start of the state games there.
The annual event, begun as a torch run in 1981 by Wichita Police Chief Richard Lemunyon, helps pay expenses for Special Olympians in the state competition.
Local officers joined the effort in 1984, according to Emporia Police Lt. John Koelsch.
“When it first started in the first three or four years, it was a continuous thing, and they’d start it on Wednesday and the (torch) would never stop,” Koelsch said. “Our locals got it around 10:30 at night and ran into the night. We’d get to Eureka at 3 or 4 in the morning. That was when we actually ran it.”
Now, the torchbearer and accompanying riders stop for the night at predetermined destinations and take off in the morning after marching down Commercial Street with the Lyon County team of Special Olympians before heading to Eureka. On Wednesday, a group of local law enforcement officers went to the county line to take the torch from Coffey County law enforcement officers.
At 10 a.m. Thursday, the Emporia leg began at Kellogg Circle on the Emporia State University campus.
Radio personality Ron Thomas rode a bicycle to Madison with the officers. He accepted pledges and donations for the ride and will donate the money to Special Olympics.
The officers are raising money for Special Olympics through sales of T-shirts and hats for a minimum donation of $15 each. Donations also are being accepted. Money collected this year will be used to finance next year’s Olympics.
Last year, for the first time, officers raised more than $5,000.
“Our names are on the backs of the supporter’s shirts for the first time in the 23 years since we’ve done it here at the department,” Koelsch said.
Local officers also hold additional fundraising projects during the year, he said. This year, Emporia’s first “Polar Bear Plunge,” held in February, brought in more than $11,000 that will stay in the community for local Special Olympics athletes.
More information may be had by calling Koelsch, Officer Larry Clay or any bike patrol officer at 343-4200.