SEBASTIAN — A few dozen officers, detectives, lieutenants and even Police Chiefs from Indian River County’s law enforcement agencies joined with members of Indian River County’s Special Olympians and the Abilities Resource Center at Ercildoune Bowling Lanes just north of Sebastian Wednesday morning for the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run, raising community awareness of Special Olympics.
They traveled south on U.S. 1, slowing and stopping traffic, led by the torch bearer.
“This is not a race,” Sebastian Police spokesman Officer Steve Marcinik told the gathered runners prior to starting. “It’s not about who gets there first. It’s all about bringing attention to Special Olympics.”
Among the Chiefs of Police to participate was Sebastian’s Michelle Morris, who has been participating in the annual Torch Run since the 1980s.
“It’s near and dear to my heart,” Chief Morris said of the event and Special Olympics. She said that Special Olympics helps to promote sensitivity.
Though she regularly runs, Chief Morris said she hadn’t run in the last three weeks – and even when she does, it’s on a treadmill in the air conditioning.
“I’m just praying I finish,” she said.
Other agencies represented in the run were the Fellsmere Police Department, Vero Beach Police Department, Indian River Shores Public Safety, the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, the Department of Corrections, and Probation and Parole.
Alison Youngling, a Special Olympian, was the final torch bearer heading into Friendship Park behind Sebastian City Hall.
“It meant the world to me,” she said of being granted the opportunity to carry the torch. “I loved every moment of it.”
Youngling is preparing to go to the Special Olympics State competition, representing Indian River County in tennis. She also bowls and plays golf for Special Olympics.
“I’m a triple threat,” Youngling said.
Indian River Shores Public Safety Chief Bill Schauman led off the run, carrying the torch for law enforcement.
“I just thought it was great,” he said. “It was awesome.”
For years, the chief has participated in the Torch Run, he said, noting it’s the Special Olympians who keep him motivated.
Indian River Special Olympics Coordinator Darla Danis looked over the crowd assembled at Friendship Park and smiled.
“It’s such an honor for them,” Danis said of Special Olympics to have the support and encouragement of the local law enforcement agencies.
Special Olympics of Indian River County is always in need of volunteers to help with athletic events throughout the year and sponsors to help underwrite the cost of its programs. Anyone interested in helping the organization or learning more about it can contact Danis by calling(772) 778-6400 or by emailing soiriver@gmail.com.