The Kansas Special Olympics Summer Games are set to be held this weekend for the first time since 2019. As is tradition local law enforcement and KVOE Station Manager Ron Thomas will be breaking out their bikes to help support Special Olympics later this week.
The annual Law Enforcement Torch Run and Ron’s Ride will take off from Emporia State University at 9 am and the public is encouraged to come out and properly send off the riders. Special Olympics athletes will escort riders and the torch from 12th and Commercial to 4th and Commercial before riders make a now traditional stop at Hetlinger Developmental Services.
Undersheriff John Koelsch says the stop at Hetlinger has been a great addition to the event.
Riders will then continue on 6.5 miles to the Emporia Golf Course where Ron’s Ride will conclude. Law enforcement will then make their way to El Dorado to hand off the torch which is set to be in Wichita to start the summer games Friday.
The games will run through Sunday and this is the first time since 2019 the games have been able to take place after they were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.
Since it began, Ron’s Ride has managed to raise nearly $30,000 to support Special Olympics athletes.
If you would like to donate to Ron’s Ride you can send checks or cash to Ron Thomas PO Box 968, Emporia, KS 66801, text Ron at 620-344-1402 with your name and donation amount or click here.
