Shared by Brian Morris, as Guest Blogger.

Virginia State Park Conservation Officers Support the Special Olympics

Virginia State Parks' Conservation Officers help our parks run smoothly and efficiently. But after hours, some of these officers are running for a cause.

One of these causes is the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics. Supported by law enforcement organizations throughout the world, this event raises money and awareness to enable people with special needs to participate in Olympic-type games, at no cost to them.

These Conservation Officers, Tim Shrader, Steve Davis, and Reinhardt Gray, joined Special Olympics Athletes on the 2 mile run in Colonial Beach

More than 2,000 officers across Virginia are involved in the Law Enforcement Torch Run, Special Olympics Virginia’s – and the world’s – largest grassroots fundraiser.  Each June, they carry the Flame of Hope more than 1,900 miles across Virginia to kick off the summer games.

Special Olympics athletes took turns carrying the torch through Kilmarnock

In the Northern Neck on June 6^th, Conservation officers participated in three different Torch Runs, raising over $600 to support the 2012 Summer Games in Richmond. They were joined in the runs by Special Olympics athletes and their friends and supporters.

Pizza Hut provided snacks for runners after the 2 mile run

“This is the third year I have participated in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics,” said Belle Isle State Park Manager Tim Shrader. “I did not realize that our participation was so significant until I ran beside the Special Olympic athletes. Their sense of accomplishment, pride and sportsmanship are incredible. I encourage everyone to support this program in some manner.”

To find out how you can help support the Virginia Special Olympics, click here.

Many Virginia State Parks offer ADA-accessible cabins, trails, bathhouses, and campsites.  For more information on our facilities, please click here or call our Reservation Center 1-800-933-PARK.