Police departments take part in torch run

Police officers, deputies and troopers will be participating this week in the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run by carrying the Flame of Hope across Montana to raise funds and public awareness for Special Olympics Montana. The torch will travel from all corners of the state on its way to the Special Olympics State Summer Games in Missoula, May 16 to 19, where the arrival of the torch and lighting of the Olympic cauldron will officially begin the games.

In downtown Whitefish, the Flame of Hope will travel down Central Avenue at approximately 4:15 p.m. Monday, May 8. Spectators are encouraged to join the pep rally during the run between Casey’s Bar and at the end at the O’Shaughnessy Center where the Flame of Hope will stop at 5 p.m. at a community barbecue. Hot dogs, water, soda and chips will be provided until the food runs out.

In Kalispell, on Wednesday, May 10, the Flame of Hope will travel by bicycle 50 miles from Happy’s Roadhouse west of Marion on U.S. 2 West beginning at 9 a.m. to Les Schwab Tire on West Center Street in Kalispell. Then, at 3 p.m., a 2.5 mile parade of law enforcement vehicles and law enforcement runners will travel from Les Schwab Tire to Lions Park on South Main Street. At the conclusion of the run at Lions Park, the community is invited to a barbecue with hot dogs, hamburgers and refreshments.

The mission of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is to increase awareness and raise funds for the Special Olympics movement.