Local first responders join Mat-Su Special Olympics athletes during 2022 Law Enforcement Torch Run

WASILLA — Local first responders and members of the community joined Mat-Su Special Olympics athletes during the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run Saturday, May 21.

This annual 5K event starts and finishes at the Wonderland Park pavilion in downtown Wasilla.

The event serves as a fundraiser for Special Olympics Alaska programs in the Mat-Su region. Mat-Su Special Olympics public relations volunteer Danielle Sherrer said this year’s event drew a large turnout with plenty of vendors and overall support from the public.

“It was awesome,” Sherrer said. “This was one of the most successful torch runs that we’ve probably ever had.”

The Torch Run is a longstanding tradition. Sherrer said that she loves being a part of the event and watching it unfold.

“It was really heartwarming and it was really awesome to see the community just rally together and support an awesome cause,” Sherrer said.

Sherrer said they’re thankful for the large number of participating law enforcement officers and other first responders this year.

“They really put a lot of effort into it,”

In general, local Special Olympics efforts are returning to normal after getting hit hard by the pandemic. Sherrer said the 2022 Torch Run helps signify a return to public events as they’ve previously been enjoyed.

“This was our first super huge event where there were no restrictions at all. It was super awesome to see. It was a really good time,” Sherrer said.

According to Sherrer, 13 Valley athletes are flying down to Orlando, Florida with other Alaskan teams to participate in the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in June. She said this is the highest amount of Valley participation to date.

“That’s a really big deal. Hopefully, they bring home the gold,” Sherrer said.

For more information about Special Olympics Alaska programs in the Mat-Su Valley,

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com