Annual torch run gearing up

April 29, 2007

By will Elliott

Frontiersman

MAT-SU - The Special Olympics Torch Run comes to the Valley May 19, as part of a worldwide effort promoting the Special Olympics games.

The torch run, led by law enforcement agencies and correctional facilities, raises funds and awareness for Special Olympics. The program began in Wichita, Kan., in 1981 and has grown to reach more than 30 countries worldwide. Across Alaska, 19 communities will hold simultaneous torch runs the same morning.

According to Carolyn Carlson, Special Olympics coordinator for the Mat-Su Valley, &#8220The torch run was the law enforcement community's way to contribute to people with disabilities. They came up with it as a way to help.”

The money raised from admission fees will be donated to the Special Olympics to help provide sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. According to a Special Olympics press release, the games provide children and adults the opportunity to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and share gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympic athletes and the community.” Worldwide, more than 1.3 million Special Olympians train and compete in summer, fall and winter games.

Events include track and field, bowling, golf, swimming and others. Next winter, Special Olympics will feature snowboarding for the first time. Additionally, Special Olympics offers a number of other resources for people with disabilities.

&#8220We're always doing something during the year,” Carlson said. &#8220We need volunteers for everything.”

The local portion of the run commences at 10 a.m. at Wonderland Park in Wasilla. Special Olympics volunteers, law enforcement personnel, and anyone in the community are all welcome participate.

&#8220The run is a great way for friends, family and neighbors to get out and stretch their legs and get some fresh air,” said Deb Langendorfer, a spokesperson for the event.

Carlson described the event as one of the organization's biggest fund-raisers for the Valley.

&#8220All the money we raise in the Valley will stay here in the community,” she said.

Registration will begin 9 a.m. under the red pavilion at Wonderland Park. The cost to participate is $15, and Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run T-shirts are $10 more. Additional donations are encouraged.

For more information on the run, or to become an athlete, coach or volunteer, contact Carolyn Carlson, Special Olympics Coordinator for the Mat-Su Valley, at 354-4597.

Contact Will Elliott at

352-2250 or will.elliott@

frontiersman.com