Midcoast Athletics

Graham Wiley leads Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics through Camden

Thu, 06/08/2017 - 10:15am

CAMDEN — This year’s addition of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics descended on the Camden area Wednesday morning, June 7, with Camden’s Graham Wiley, 26, leading the group of runners with the torch down Route 1.

“The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is the movement's largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle,” according to the organization’s website. “At its most basic level the Torch Run is an actual running event, in which officers and athletes run the Flame of Hope™ to the Opening Ceremonies of local Special Olympics competitions and State and National Games. Annually, more than 85,000 dedicated, compassionate and volunteer law enforcement officers participate in the torch run throughout 35 nations, 12 Canadian provinces and 50 US states, raising over $500 Million since its inception in 1981.

“Today, the Torch Run is more than just a run and encompasses a variety of fundraising vehicles such as T-shirt and merchandise sales, special events to include polar bear plunges, tip-a-cop and building sits and a host of other events that have local, state and national appeal. For athletes and officers alike, the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics is a story of success, love, respect and commitment between law enforcement officers and Special Olympics athletes.”

Over 700 law enforcement members across Maine participate in the torch run, the organization stated. 

The runners passed the torch down Route 1, and the torch was sighted just north of Wiscasset around noon.


Reach the sports department at: sports@penbaypilot.com