FLAME OF HOPE: Local police participate in Special Olympics Torch Run after long hiatus

POCATELLO — A torch run that supports athletes competing in the Special Olympics touched down in Pocatello last week with support from local law enforcement agencies.

Sami Spain, the Law Enforcement Torch Run liaison and fundraising manager for Special Olympics Idaho, recently spoke with the Idaho State Journal on the importance of this essential collaboration.

“The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest grassroots fundraiser for Special Olympics internationally,” Spain said. “Annually, over 110,000 law enforcement officers run with the flame of hope throughout the entire world. (Today) we are in Pocatello running with the flame of hope through Pocatello. Last year we did our first ever fully statewide Law Enforcement Torch Run so we ran through nine cities with about 15 law enforcement agencies. This year we've grown it to 14 cities with about 30 law enforcement agencies, so definitely a lot of growth over this last year here in Idaho.”

Spain initially worked with the Boise Police Department but later was involved as an essential aspect of the Special Olympics. She now continues her career as a liaison and a bridge between Special Olympic athletes and the various law enforcement agencies that help support them through fundraising and events.

“The Law Enforcement Torch Run does entail fundraising initiatives, but also does have this physical run,” Spain said. “The physical run is where an athlete and an officer hold The Flame of Hope hand in hand. That flame of hope symbolizes inclusion and acceptance. The Torch Run is really used to promote our athletes and achieve that inclusive environment that we're looking for.”

Spain continued, “It's a great way to get the word out there. It gets a lot of attention to make sure that we highlight our athletes and continue to give them sporting opportunities, athlete leadership opportunities, help them get careers and continue to raise funds to provide them with health care. There's just so many things that we are able to provide for our athletes at the Special Olympics.”

For this year’s torch run, Special Olympic athletes Kevin Sullivan and Mckay Majors, both of Boise, have been traveling across the state and participating in all 14 legs of the journey. From Bonners Ferry, Coeur d'Alene, Moscow and Lewiston to McCall, Sun Valley and beyond the duo participate in a proverbial marathon as they take the torch to its final resting place in Caldwell.

“The State Summer Games are going to be in Caldwell on June 7 and 8,” Spain said. “We're carrying The Flame of Hope throughout the state of Idaho down to Caldwell, where we will light that cauldron to start the State Summer Games where our athletes will be competing in flag football, basketball, aquatics and track and field."

Spain has an intimate understanding of the good that these torch runs provide for fundraising and opportunities for athletes and the camaraderie it provides to everyone involved.

“When we run with the flame of hope you'll hear officers calling cadence just so everyone around here's exactly what we're running for,” Spain said. “It gets the word out about Special Olympics Idaho and really showcases what our athletes are capable of to those around the city. That allows us to continue growing our program. We at Special Olympics Idaho, not only provide sporting competitions, but provide athlete leadership programs, which teach athletes how to interact in public speaking, job interviews and lays a great foundation for life experiences for them to continue their personal development.”

Spain continued, “Our athletes Kevin and McKay are best friends and they met through the Special Olympics, so it (creates) personal connections together as well. Special Olympics is also the greatest health care provider for those with intellectual disabilities. All funds that we raise go back to our athletes. The torch run is an annual yearlong initiative where our officers participate in events like tip cops, bagging for bucks, polar punches, all raising funds for our athletes so we're able to do things like this and put on the competitions for them.”