Organizers aim for $3 million in Special Olympics fundraiser
The Register-Mail : By SHEENA LEANO : June 8 2011
GALESBURG — Ushered into Galesburg by police vehicles as part of the Illinois Special Olympics Torch Run, runners waved to residents outside of St. Mary’s Square Living Center, bringing together law enforcement members and those with developmental disabilities.
Last year the Torch Run raised more than $2.9 million for Illinois Special Olympics by helping raise awareness and money through soliciting donations from businesses and individuals and by people sponsoring runners. For this, the 25th year anniversary of the Torch Run, organizers hope to reach their goal of $3 million.
Though his face was red as he completed a nearly 5-mile run to St. Mary’s Square, Matt McFall said the hot weather was not a challenge for the runners.
McFall, with the East Moline Police Department, said, “It wasn’t bad. I think we were blessed with a breeze even though it was a headwind the whole time.”
Running this year for the first time in the Torch Run, McFall decided to do so after participating in another Special Olympics-related event two years ago in Milan. During that event, McFall met with and talked to some of the Special Olympics participants, encouraging them before their events.
“I like to participate in stuff like this where we help other people. To run with other law enforcement agencies too — it feels great,” McFall said.
Steve Kautz, Moline Police Department, serves as leg leader for Leg 12 after being involved with the Torch Run for five years. Leg 12’s length, after reaching its destination in Normal, will be a total of 100 miles.
“All the legs converge from across the state in Normal and they do what’s called a final leg, they converge on the Illinois State arena down there for the Summer Game opening ceremonies,” Kautz said.
As part of Leg 12, with the starting point at the Rock Island County Courthouse in Rock Island, runners reached Galesburg after 46 miles on Tuesday and after Galesburg, the torch will reach Peoria today. From Peoria, law enforcement will run the torch into Normal, where thousands of athletes from across the state eagerly await the flame for the start of the Illinois Special Olympics Summer Games on Friday.
Referencing the Illinois Special Olympics participants and Games, McFall said, “It just touches your heart whenever you meet them and I’m just proud to be affiliated with it.”
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