Local torch rn supports Olympics

As spring approaches local riders, bikers and runners are preparing to lend their legs and their support to some special athletes.

Activists are preparing for the fifth annual Sanders County Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics to be held on May 2. The Sanders County portion, including its three components, is longer than any other single branch in the state, totaling 156 miles.

The event mirrors those held nationally as thousands of Law Enforcement personnel will raise awareness and money for the Special Olympics. The relay has become an annual occurrence since its inception in 1981. Over 125 million dollars has been raised nationally as a result.

Typically, participants are all members of the Law Enforcement community, but since Sanders County is so small, the population at large is welcome to join.

Sanders County deputy and torch run leg coordinator Dave Hedley said the event is crucial to the funding of the Special Olympics.

According to Hedley, the Special Olympics promote physical fitness and allow handicapped people another avenue to integrate into society.

“We all like positive accolades or results from things that we do,” he said. “The Special Olympics was created to give people from eight to 90 years old a chance to participate and through athletics to feel what it is like to succeed. You have no losers within the Special Olympics. It’s a winning environment.”

Hedley has firsthand knowledge about the value of the Special Olympics as his two autistic sons, Colton and Curt, are members of the Sanders County Super Hawks.

The three-pronged event will begin with the torch run, kicking off at 7 a.m. at the Montana/Idaho line on highway 200. Individual runners will carry the torch for one-mile legs before passing it off along the 77-mile route, ending in Plains.

Simultaneously, the “Pony Express Ride,” headed by former sheriff Gene Arnold, will offer local animal lovers a chance to participate. Riders mounted on horseback will mimic the runners, beginning at 10 a.m. as they begin their ride at the junction of highway 200 and 28. The torch will be passed off every mile until it reaches Elmo along highway 93.

Arnold has been a supporter of the Special Olympics and an avid horseman for years. The Torch Run began in Sanders County under Arnold’s watch. Four years ago he pioneered the idea of a fundraising spin-off involving horses.

Arnold was touched after seeing some of the equine events like barrel racing and pole bending.  

Some of these special kids can’t even walk, some can’t even talk, but they learn to ride and they connect with animals. It’s unbelievable and I think that’s part of the giving and sharing,” he said. “They [Special Olympians] give back to us probably ten times more than we give to them. They are really, really special.”

Traditionally, a bicycle route has also been included. According to Hedley, the ride from St. Regis to Plains, will be not be held unless a resurgence of interest is shown this year as participant numbers have dipped in recent years.

According to Hedley the fundraiser has brought in anywhere from three to eight thousand dollars in the past. Every penny raised will stay in Montana to help offset equipment, transportation or lodging expenses for Special Olympians, like the Super Hawks, as they prepare for the area games in Kalispell on April 29 before heading to the state games in Bozeman on May 11-13.

Volunteers can support the Special Olympics in a variety of ways. Athletes can ride, bike run or walk the event, others can sponsor torch-bearers or purchase merchandise, or help organize and coordinate upcoming events.

Merchandise, including t-shirts, hats, bags and more featuring this year’s Special Olympics logo, will be available for purchase on April 12 and potentially 18 in front of Conoco Feed and Fuel in Thompson Falls.

Supporters can pick up pledge forms to sponsor Torch Run participants at the Sanders County Sheriffs Office or Conoco Feed and Fuel in Thompson Falls at the Plains City Hall.

Deputy Hedley may be reached through the Sanders County Sheriff’s Office at (406)-827-3584 or via cell phone (406)-249-8079.