Thursday morning was a perfect time for a bike ride, and based on the results of the annual Ron’s Ride for Special Olympics, an even better time to support a great cause.
The annual fundraising ride of KVOE General Manager Ron Thomas once again managed to surpass its $5,000 fundraising goal, bringing in just over $5,400 in support of local Special Olympians. Thomas says that the level of support he receives each year is truly humbling.
The goal was surpassed shortly after KVOE’s Morning Show began Thursday and just a few hours before Thomas set off on his ride from Emporia to Olpe alongside local law enforcement as part of the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run, which is transporting the Special Olympics Torch to the state games in Wichita. Before exiting Emporia, the contingent, alongside several local Special Olympians, made their traditional procession down Commercial Street to great fanfare from residents.
Thomas called it a great time for everyone involved.
Lyon County Undersheriff John Koelsch says the procession down Commercial is one of the “intangibles” for local law enforcement who have been involved with the torch run since the 1980’s.
Koelsch adds it is amazing to see how much the cause and support for the athletes has grown over the years, saying the community makes them “feel like rockstars.”
Emporia Police Deputy Chief Kevin Risley says this is a cause that everyone can get behind, and just one of the many ways officers show their support for local athletes.
Before making their way out of Emporia, the contingent made its now regular brief stop at Hetlinger Developmental Services for a time to interact with Hetlinger clients and staff. The Kansas Special Olympics state competition will begin Friday and run through Saturday at Maize South High School. More information can be found by visiting SOKS.org.
Click here for a YouTube Short from this year’s Ron’s Ride and Law Enforcement Torch Run.
