This was my third year representing my hometown for special Olympics and running/walking with the Oak Forest Police doing the torch run. Our leg is pretty small about 2 to 3 miles and we run from 147th St. to City Hall and then the torch goes up to 159th where it is greeted by the Orland Park Police. I have done it with Tinley, Palos Heights but personally I like Oak Forest the best. Every police district has been friendly and allowed me to join their group but being my hometown it is particularly special to me. This year I had the double honor to walk with a former special Olympics participant who has three members of his family in the police. As always it is an honor and special feeling you get as you run or walk on the streets of Cicero and represent the police by holding the torch or this year walking with a VIP helping spread the love of the law and Special Olympics. According to the website:

The Law Enforcement Torch Run® is the single largest year-round fundraising event benefiting Special Olympics Illinois. The annual intrastate relay and its various fundraising projects have two goals: to raise money and to gain awareness for the athletes who participate in Special Olympics Illinois. The Law Enforcement Torch Run® has raised nearly $28 million over 27 years while increasing awareness of Special Olympics Illinois athletes and their accomplishments. View the 2014 Law Enforcement Torch Run® brochure.

Approximately 3,000 officers representing every branch of law enforcement across the state from local police officers to FBI agents will carry the Flame of Hope nearly 1,500 miles, running through thousands of Illinois communities via 23 different legs (routes) to its final destination – the Opening Ceremonies of the Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games in June in Normal. View list of participating agencies and Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run® Committee members.

So if you are looking for a physical challenge that will benefit many athletes of the present and future consider donating, walking and sponsoring the Torch Run.