Running into Sidney for the Torch Run were (from left) Chris Waters, Jill Wagner, Tara Zody, Dan Smiley and Megan Garza. (Photo by Bill Vander Weele)
Area law enforcement along with athletes from Richland Opportunities Inc., were enthused to participate in the Richland County leg of the Special Olympics' Torch Run on Wednesday, May 8.
Sidney police officer Brett Norby reports that representatives from the Fairview Police Department, Richland County Sheriff's Office and Sidney Police Department all took part in the annual event.
Norby has served as the leg leader since 2020. He explained that the program helps fund a Special Olympics' team in Sidney.
"It's really nice to see the faces of all the athletes," Norby said. "It's really cool."
The Richland County leg started at Sharbono Park in Fairview at about 8 a.m. Some students even participated in the Fairview portion of the journey.
About 30 individuals from ROI, including 11 Special Olympics athletes, greeted the runners at the Shops at Fox Run parking lot shortly after 10 a.m. The crew then took the torch through Sidney as far as the Cenex parking lot.
When LaShell Sheehan, ROI medical manager, asked in a cheerful yell if the ROI clients were excited to be at the Torch Run, she received an enthusiastic "yes!" from the crew.
"They really enjoy being a part of the community," Sheehan said.
The Torch Run's mission is to raise funds and awareness of the Special Olympics movement worldwide. The funds help provide year-round sports training and athletic competition.
This year, Guardians will carry the Flame of Hope more than 1,800 miles across Montana. The arrival and lighting of the cauldron will officially begin the State Summer Games in Billings on May 15.
Other stops for the relay throughout the state included Plentywood, Libby, Kalispell, Billings, Glasgow, Malta, Boulder, Anaconda, Cut Bank, Hardin and Lewistown.
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