Special Olympics Torch Run Preview

Brianna Gibbs/KMXT
This weekend, law enforcement officers and community members in towns throughout Alaska will partake in a 5k run and walk as part of the law enforcement torch run for Special Olympics. The race has a long history, both in Alaska and across the nation.
“In the late 1970s the torch run actually started here in Alaska, although it’s not advertised that way, “ said Dan Canavan, community director for Kodiak Special Olympics.
“There was a group of State Troopers, and Fish and Game folks that started a run that was a fundraiser for Special Olympics here in Alaska. And it was a distance run,” he said. “And then in 1981, when the official torch run started, it was in Wichita, Kansas, and it was law enforcement folks joining together to both raise funds for Special Olympics across the country, and raise awareness of Special Olympics and what they’re about.”
You can learn more about the Special Olympics Torch Run by listening to KMXT’s Talk of the Rock today (Tuesday) at 12:30 p.m. Canavan will be joined by local law enforcement, athletes and unified partners to talk about what expect during the May 18th 5k, and how to get involved with Special Olympics year round.