Bikers, runners, walkers and supporters of all ages are encouraged to kick off the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Superior Harbor View Super One Foods, 2202 E. Second St.
This year's route has been tweaked due to construction along Belknap Street. It will begin at the Super One Foods store and travel along 23rd Avenue East to East Fifth Street. Runners, bikers and walkers will take 31st Avenue East to East Second Street, which they will stay on the rest of the way. The nearly 4-mile run/walk will end at the wayside just outside Superior.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run was established in Wisconsin in 1986 in conjunction with the Special Olympics summer games. Its mission is to raise funds and awareness for the program.
"By volunteering together for Special Olympics, law enforcement participants champion acceptance and inclusion in their communities," according to the Torch Run website. "They raise up Special Olympics athletes, helping influence them to be treated as equals. Law enforcement volunteers educate the community about the gifts, talents and abilities of people with intellectual disabilities and create opportunities to bring the community together."
Superior Mayor Jim Paine plans to take part in the annual event. He's spent most of his career working with people with developmental disabilities. They are some of the most courageous, hard-working athletes you will meet, he said, and Special Olympics offers "a chance for outstanding citizens to shine."
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"Come watch, see us run, and feel free to join us," Paine said. "You're going to meet a lot of great people."
