By Tiffany Green
The Cullman Times
CULLMAN —
The State Law Enforcement Torch run for Special Olympics came through Cullman Thursday afternoon.
Law enforcement from all over the state, including Birmingham, Mountain Brook, Alabama State Troopers, Morgan County Sheriffs Department, Cullman County and Cullman City officers and many others participated in the run.
Deputy Rex Sorrow with the Cullman County Sheriffs Department helped organize the run through Cullman.
“This is the first time to my knowledge the torch run is coming through Cullman,” Sorrow said. “We are excited about it.”
Cullman Police Chief Kenny Culpepper welcomed all the participants.
“What a wonderful day for Cullman,” he said. “God bless you and good luck.”
The torch run is to bring awareness to the Special Olympics and recruit more law enforcement volunteers for the run.
Cullman County Sheriff Tyler Roden was excited to host the torch run.
“This is the first time we have been able to be part of such a wonderful event,” Roden said. “Thank you for your participation.”
Roden, an avid runner himself, did not participate this year.
“I’m sorry I didn’t participate, but I didn’t want to show anyone up,” he joked.
Lt. Ken Atkinson, state director for the run, was glad Cullman County decided to participate.
“This reception has been fantastic,” he said.
After the ceremony, held on the steps of the Cullman County Courthouse, runners from many departments took part in the 2.2-mile run to the old Winn-Dixie Shopping Center and back to the courthouse.
The torch was headed to Birmingham and then will pick up in a few more cities this morning before making its way to Troy to the state games.
Special Olympics is where athletes with intellectual disabilities celebrate and are celebrated for their accomplishments. It's often the first time the athletes have truly taken center stage and been recognized as individuals.
Some 800 athletes with mental retardation and about 350 of their coaches and chaperons will compete May 15 – 17 in the Special Olympics Alabama State Games at Troy University.
Competitions will include 10 sports conducted both on the Troy Campus and at venues in the city of Troy, beginning with the opening ceremonies at 7 p.m. May 15 in Movie Gallery Veterans Stadium.
* Tiffany Green can be reached by e-mail at tgreen@cullmantimes.com or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 220.
