Law enforcement officers, students and volunteers met at the old IGA parking lot on Friday for the 2023 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.
The group then traveled east down Highway 90 to the Gadsden County Horse, passing the torch along the way.
The purpose of the run is to increase awareness and raise funds for the Special Olympics.
According to the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics’ website, the Torch Run is the largest public awareness vehicle and grass-roots fundraiser for Special Olympics.
For a second year in a row, Gadsden Re-Entry Center organized the event.
This is the 33rd year the event has been held in Gadsden County, and Warden Keyanna Clack this year had one of the largest turnouts.
“This year is a little unique,” Clack said. “We have representatives from all branches of law enforcement in the county, as well as fire and EMS.”
This year also marked the 40th anniversary of law enforcement partnering with Special Olympics.
To raise funds, Clack said the prison’s employees sold Special Olympics t-shirts, pins and other merchandise and also solicited donations.
“I’m so blessed to be given the opportunity to not only work in Gadsden County, but also give back,” Clack added.
The warden said Gadsden Re-Entry had raised more than $1,800 as of Friday afternoon.
Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy, DJ Whoadie, Big Babies BBQ, Piggly Wiggly helped sponsor the event.
Erin Hill – editor@prioritynews.net
