Officers to run 'Flame of Hope'

The tradition began almost three decades ago when a Wichita, Kan., police chief saw a need to help to raise public awareness and funds for the Special Olympics. The event will continue again this year as local law enforcement officers gather in New Ellenton early Friday to carry the "Flame of Hope" for the charity.

At 7:30 a.m., local law enforcement officers will lace up their running shoes and take up the torch along Whiskey Road for the athletes.

At its most basic level, Special Olympic officials say the Torch Run is an actual running event in which officers and athletes run the Flame of Hope to the opening ceremony of local Special Olympics competitions, but it has evolved into much more than that for both law enforcement officers and competitors.

The torch has been coming through Aiken for several years, said Aiken County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Steve Dieble. This year, about two dozen officers will run the 10-mile stretch at about a 10-minute mile pace, he said.

Wackenhut Security Services, the Aiken County Sheriff's Office and Aiken Public Safety officers will carry the torch from New Ellenton along Whiskey Road to the H. Odell Weeks Activities Center.

In South Carolina, more than 15,500 athletes participate in 22 different Olympic-type sports. The Special Olympics will commence in Columbia on Tuesday at 6 p.m.

Dunkin' Donuts is helping to sponsor the run.

Traffic will flow during the run; however, motorists may be slowed temporarily as the runners pass. A marked patrol car will lead the runners, and an ambulance will follow the group.

For more information on Special Olympics South Carolina, call (803) 772-1555.

Contact Karen Daily at kdaily@aikenstandard.com.