By Brandy Young
The “Flame of Hope” made its way across Logan County on Wednesday, May 17. The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Arkansas is a four-day relay that covers more than 1200 miles and includes over 700 runners, eventually bringing the flame to the Opening Ceremonies of the Sumer Games on May 18. It is the largest awareness vehicle for Special Olympics, and Logan County Chief Deputy and Magazine Mayor Josh Scott is proud to spearhead this event.
“The main goal is to raise awareness for our athletes in Logan County,” said Scott, who was instrumental in bringing the run to the area. Magazine, Booneville, and Paris Police Departments and the Logan County Sherriff’s Office participated in the Torch Run this year, and Scott hopes to grow the event to include the Arkansas State Police and the Arkansas Game and Fish Wildlife Officers in the future.
This year’s Logan County Torch Run was kicked-off by the staff and clients of the Booneville Human Development Center and continued in the City of Magazine, Mount Magazine State Park, and the City of Paris. At each location, crowds cheered on the participants to show their support for the athletes and officers.
The Special Olympics Arkansas Summer Games are held each year at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas. The event brings together over 2,000 athletes and 500 coaches from across the state. The Summer Games features competition in athletics, bocce, flag football, powerlifting, swimming and team softball. Every race, every game, and every competition held at the Summer Games represents many weeks of training, preparation and dedication by the athletes, coaches, and volunteers.
This year’s Summer Games take place on May 19-20 following the Opening Ceremonies on May 18. Good luck to all of the athletes!
