Carrying the Torch for Special Olympics

DULUTH, MINN —

The Special Olympics Minnesota Annual Torch Run across the state went through Duluth today. The Minnesota Special Olympic Games began last weekend and this weekend will be at Stillwater High School.

In addition to officers from The Duluth Police Department, officers from UMD, Hermantown, and the 148th Fighter Wing Security were taking part in the torch run as were, of course, Special Olympics athletes from the area.

The runners and bicyclists met at city hall to begin their leg of the torch run. Jeremy O’Connor of the Duluth Police explained why this partnership is important. “There’s like kind of a cool bond that goes between us,” O’Connor said. “I’ve been to events where it’s a Special Olympics event and they want law enforcement officers to handle medals and present them to the athletes, I think the athletes are more excited about getting it from a law enforcement officer than the medal itself after doing a great job. So it’s pretty cool I Love it, I enjoy it.”

The Duluth Police Department and Special Olympics Minnesota work together throughout the year. Each February the department sponsors the Polar Plunge fundraising event.