Sitnews - Stories in the News - Ketchikan, Alaska

 

Law Enforcement Torch Run For Special Olympics
Helps Keep The Flame Burning
Annual Event Raises Over $1,800 Locally
Story & Photos by Dick Kauffman

 

May 19, 2002
Sunday - 1:35 pm


AK Law Enforcement Torch Run
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Ketchikan - Each year law enforcement officers from communities all over Alaska ban together with people from all walks of life in what has become one of the most successful fund raising events ever - the Alaska Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. This year the event was held statewide on Saturday, May 18, 2002.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is promoted as a "fun run and a great way to get out and stretch your legs, get some fresh air, and support training and competition for nearly one thousand Alaskan athletes with mental disabilities."

The 5K Alaska Law Enforcement Torch Run includes several options for participants - such as running, jogging, skipping and walking.

In addition to Ketchikan, numerous cities around Alaska participated in Saturday's Torch Run including Anchorage, Bethel, Cordova, Fairbanks, Homer, Juneau, Kenai, Klawock, Kodiak, Kotzebue, Nome, Palmer, Seward, Sitka, Valdez, Barrow and Prudhoe Bay.

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AK Law Enforcement Torch Run
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Individuals register in order to participate in the Law Enforcement Torch Run and collect pledges. Pledge money is turned in the day of the race. According to information provided, 100% of the pledges and donations go directly to sports programs for Special Olympics Alaska in the community in which the money is raised. This year the Ketchikan event collected in donations and pledges $1,807 according to Kathy Fitzgerald, Ketchikan Coordinator for Special Olympics. Fitzgerald said this was twice as much as was raised last year.

The 5 kilometer Torch Run started at 10:30 am statewide. In Ketchikan, approximately 15 serious runners departed at 10:30 am on a round trip run from Carrs' to Ketchikan Ready Mix. At least another two dozen other persons participated in the Torch Run by jogging or walking - all out enjoying the sunny Ketchikan morning while supporting Special Olympics.

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AK Law Enforcement Torch Run
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Gretchen Klein claimed first place, completing the run in 19 minutes and 29 seconds. Maxwell Mercer placed second with a time of 20 minutes and 35 seconds.

Sgt. Lonnie Piscoya, Special Olympics Coordinator for the Alaska State Troopers, and Kathy Fitzgerald, Ketchikan Coordinator for Special Olympics, extended thanks to all the participants and to the sponsors of the event. The primary sponsor of the event statewide is GCI and Larry Johnson is the local event coordinator for GCI. Carrs' and Wal-Mart donated refreshments and snacks for the participants.

 

 

 

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