This morning marked the 36th year of the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run event.
“This is fantastic. I mean, what a showing this morning here at Whelen (Engineering in Chester)," Connecticut State Trooper Mark Roberts said.
The run is for a good cause. Law enforcement officers will continue to run through their towns and pass the torch, with its “Flame of Hope,” at each town line.
“So grateful and so gratifying -- the hugs and the love that you get from the athletes is just so genuine and the money that we raise, you actually see it right away,” Tom Madera, co-director of the Law Enforcement Torch Run said of his participation in the event.
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The Torch Run happens over the course of the next three days and aims to promote awareness of Special Olympics, support the organization’s year-round sports and health programs but most importantly, inspire the athletes to believe that anything is possible.
Roberts, who has been taking part in the run for a decade and half, said the feeling of being involved is special.
“It's such a tremendous experience. You have all the athletes with you, you’re running with the athletes, you get to see their families and all their supporters and it’s just a big community of love and support," he said.
Local
It isn't just the officers and volunteers lending a helping hand, it's a two-way street.
