The run will make stops across the state and raise awareness for Special Olympics South Dakota

WATERTOWN — Special Olympics South Dakota is hosting the Law Enforcement Torch Run across the state of South Dakota, starting Monday, May 13 and ending Thursday, May 16 at the Opening Ceremonies of the 2024 Special Olympics South Dakota State Summer Games in Vermillion.

Throughout the four days of the Torch Run, law enforcement officers, along with two Special Olympics athletes will bring the “Flame of Hope” to 19 cities to help raise awareness for Special Olympics.

On Tuesday, May 14, the Watertown Torch Run will begin at 4 p.m. at Nelson Park. The “Flame of Hope” will becarried down S Broadway and finish at the Watertown Police Department.

The annual running portion has evolved over the years from running the interstate to the current format, whereofficers travel to cities and invite local law enforcement, Special Olympics athletes and the public to come and jointhem as they carry the Flame through the city.

The Torch Run has become a major awareness and fundraising vehicle for Special Olympics South Dakota and the running of the “Flame of Hope” into Opening Ceremonies kicks off State Summer Games each year.

“The Law Enforcement Torch Run is so much more than just a run to Special Olympics South Dakota,” DaveStratton, South Dakota Law Enforcement Torch Run Board Director, said. “The awareness and funds that the TorchRun has raised created a movement and helped provide new opportunities, competitions and programs for theathletes of Special Olympics South Dakota. The dedication and commitment from law enforcement across the statehas been amazing and we thank all of our law enforcement volunteers for their continued support.”

The public is invited to come and support or join the officers and Special Olympics athletes as they run the “Flameof Hope” across the state.

For more information about the Torch Run or State Summer Games, please contact the Special Olympics South Dakota State Office at 605-331-4117.

Special Olympics South Dakota is a year-round program of sports training and competition for children and adultswith intellectual disabilities. More than 2,750 athletes in more than 50 communities train and compete in over 26Olympic-type sports.

Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to develop fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy as they participate in the sharing of gifts and friendship with other athletes, their families, and the community. There is no fee to participate in Special Olympics. Learn more about Special Olympics South Dakota at www.sosd.org and follow on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter).

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This article originally appeared on Watertown Public Opinion: The South Dakota Law Enforcement Torch Run set for May 13-16