Dozens of supporters for efforts of area Special Olympics of Illinois Torch Run gathered in cold conditions early, but it was a good day for a local 5K run-walk.
April 5 was the Huntley Police Department (HPD) hosted Fourth Annual “Don’t Be Fooled by a Disability” 5K run-walk event. It is held in support of Special Olympics of Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run. According to HPD Deputy Chief Amy Williams, about 140 runners participated Saturday morning at Huntley Town Square.
Special Olympic athlete Jim Williams is happy because he is able to add another sport to his state competition list, which also includes track and field and basketball.
“I qualified for state in the 4×50 medlay relay event. The support we get from the community is great,” Williams, who is also an ambassador for Special Olympics Illinois, said.
A younger Special Olympic athlete, Harry Shaw, was also excited Saturday. The 9-year-old member of the Huntley Hurricanes Special Olympics team is gearing up for his first track and field season.
“He’s been excited about it,” mom Megan said.
Special Olympic athlete Ryan Schmidt, is a torch bearer with Deputy Police Chief Amy Williams at the Huntley Police Department’s “Don’t Be Fooled by a Disability” 5K run. (Photo by Steve Peterson/My Huntley News)
Special Olympic athlete Josh LeClaire was the speaker as a global messenger. He said in remarks the importance of teamwork is toward the Special Olympics experience. He has participated in many sports, basketball, soccer, tennis, floor hockey, bocce, volleyball and his favorites, the softball throw and golf.
A quartet of Special Olympic athletes, Ryan Schmidt with DC Williams, Jonathan Steiner with Officer Jeff Fabis, Sabrina Veverka with Officer Joe Launte and Bella Kurash, with Sergeant Scott Sullivan were the torch bearers. Special Olympic athlete Bree Bogucki sang the National Anthem.
“We’re here together as a family, a great community, and this is our fourth 5K run for Special Olympics,” Williams said. “I’m very proud of the support from our village, police department and school district. This is the largest amount of registrants we have had. The athletes here have earned every medal that they have won and have met every challenge. It’s part of the Special Olympics athlete that if they see a fellow competitor fall down, they help him up, even if it means not winning. That’s a Hall of Famer, names you should remember. You are not alone in your journey.”
The run event was not timed. Participants received a t-shirt, hearty congratulations as they crossed the finish line, and a foolish treat. Sponsors were 1st Choice Physical Therapy, Achieve Footwear, and Pet Vet Animal Clinic & Mobile Practice, Ltd.
Special Olympics Illinois is a nonprofit organization providing year-round sports training and competition in 18 sports for more than 21,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities and nearly 9,000 young athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities. The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the single largest year-round fundraising vehicle benefiting Special Olympics Illinois.
Cop on a Rooftop
Another event for Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run is coming up next month.
Huntley Police Department officers will also participate in “Cop on a Rooftop” fund-raising campaign for Special Olympics Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run on Friday, May 16. It will take place at the Huntley Dunkin locations, 12090 Princeton Drive and 9800 Route 47 from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m.
