June 3, 2008-- The Beckley/Raleigh County leg of the 24th annual Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run will begin at 8 a.m. Thursday, according to a Beckley Police Cpl. John Brown. The run, starting at Shoemaker Square in downtown Beckley, will begin the torch’s journey through southern West Virginia and to Special Olympics’ opening ceremonies in Charleston. The opening ceremony is scheduled for Friday.

Every year, numerous law enforcement agencies join in supporting West Virginia’s Special Olympics athletes, Brown said. The athletes’ ability to participate relies largely on donations from sponsors. The run is principally a means of supporting the athletes, but it also functions as a fundraiser. Brown is a six-year participant in the run.

“We are extremely excited about the turnout and interest shown in this year’s run,” he said. “We are expecting a large number from law enforcement, but more importantly, we are pleased to have members of the Raleigh County Special Olympic team involved in the run.”

The run through Raleigh, Fayette and Nicholas counties is divided into four different legs, according to Brown.

The run in Beckley will follow a 3.2-mile route from Shoemaker Square and end at the Shell station on Eisenhower Drive.

From there, the torch will be carried to Oak Hill. Runners will meet around 10 a.m. across from the Oak Hill Public Library on Main Street. Both runners and Fayette County Special Olympics athletes will run to USA Raft on W.Va. 16.

From USA Raft, the Fayetteville leg will begin around 11 a.m. Runners will bring the torch to Dirty Ernie’s Rib Pit, where it will be carried to Nicholas County.

Nicholas County runners will meet around 1:30 p.m. at the Dairy Queen along U.S. 19. They will run to the Hardee’s in downtown Summersville.

Brown expressed his gratitude to supporters of the torch run, including both business leaders and individuals donating money, time and participation. He noted the Sprague Hill Little General Store donated beverages to runners. Representatives of the Fayetteville Wal-Mart will meet with Fayette County runners to present a special gift to the athletes.

Donations will be accepted at the start and conclusion of the runs, or they can be sent to Special Olympics West Virginia Torch Run, 1206 Virginia St., E., Suite 100, Charleston, WV 25301.

 Source/Writer:

The Register Herald
By: Amelia Pridemore