By Dave Schroeder

The Nebraska Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is made it's way across the state this past week to carry the Flame of Hope into Omaha for the start of the summer games Thursday evening. The torch was used to light the cauldron during the opening ceremonies at Creighton University.

Katie Bowser, Director of Fund Development for Special Olympics of Nebraska, explains that that they "provide sports training and competitions for intellectually disabled children and adults from across the state". Competitions are held year-round but, the summer games is the largest and involves more than 1,100 athletes who compete in seven sports over the four day event. While Bowser says Special Olympics "gives athletes an opportunity to compete with others of the same level", it goes beyond that. Because they learn such skills as discipline, time management, build self-confidence and "they have a way of making friends". She adds that special olympians also gain "a lot of pride" from being a part of it. In addition, free medical exams will be offered to athletes at the games and equipment provided to meet their medical needs such as glasses or hearing devices.

This was the 23rd annual Law Enforcement Torch Run across Nebraska. Nebraska State Patrol Trooper Beth Bauer of Lexington has been participating in the torch run for 13 years and has been co-directing the law enforcement participation for several years. She says that it's the simple things that keep her coming back year after year. She says that it's motivating and inspiring to see the athletes who go out and "meet challenges everyday". Trooper Bauer says that the officers admire them and respect the effort that they go through everyday to just live life. She adds that they always seem to live life to the fullest. While many officers participated in the torch run there are many more who are involved in fundraising activities through out the year and they present their donations along the torch run. Such events have included Polar Bear Plunges, Cop-On-Top events, motorcycle poker runs and the World's Largest Truck Convoy.

The purpose of the torch run is to raise awareness about special olympics and raise money to support the athletes that participate in them. More than $2 Million has been raised since the torch run began in 1985.

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