The Special Olympics State Games are this weekend in Wichita, and local Special Olympians got well wishes as they led the torch through downtown and south Emporia on Thursday.
Special Olympians were joined by local law enforcement and KVOE General Manager Ron Thomas, who again pedaled to Olpe for his annual Ron’s Ride fundraiser. Thomas thanked area residents for supporting his bike ride — to the tune of over $5,000.
The torch arrived in Emporia Wednesday afternoon with an escort from local law enforcement participating in the annual law enforcement torch run. Among the contingent of riders was Emporia Police Officer JW Fournier, who says he sees the torch run as an extension of law enforcement’s day-to-day responsibilities.
Lyon County Deputy Brandon Early, who also participated in the torch run, agreed with Fournier’s perspective “100 percent,” adding it is a great cause to get behind.
Thomas says there is a lot of joy for a lot of reasons whenever the Special Olympics torch comes into town and then heads out to Wichita.
Thomas’ route out of Emporia was detoured around the rather extensive flood zone immediately south of Emporia. The parade down Commercial Street led to Hetlinger Developmental Services where riders met with Hetlinger clients before heading south to El Dorado.
The State Games begin Friday evening.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon and Chuck Samples/KVOE News
