The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Torch run passing through city Thursday
Spectators invited to cheer on athletes
The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Connecticut, which will take place Wednesday through Friday, will pass through Middlefield, Middletown, Cromwell and other area towns Thursday.
Every year, officers from throughout the state volunteer their time as torchbearers and carry the Special Olympics “flame of hope” through municipalities to raise awareness and funds to benefit Special Olympics athletes, according to a press release.
On Thursday, the third leg of the run, which begins at the North Branford police station and continues through North Haven, Wallingford, Meriden, Middlefield, Middletown, Cromwell, Rocky Hill and Wethersfield, finishes in Hartford. It reaches Middletown via Route 66 at 12:30 p.m., where runners will stop at Middlesex Mutual Assurance Co. at Court and Broad streets at 1 p.m. for lunch.
More than 1,500 local law enforcement officers will cover more than 530 miles through 100 cities and towns for Special Olympics. Spectators are encouraged to cheer on participants.
The three-day event will conclude at Southern Connecticut State University on Friday at 7:15 p.m. when officers run the final leg into Jess Dow Field on campus and light the ceremonial cauldron during opening ceremonies for the Special Olympics Connecticut’s Summer Games.
Over 2,400 athletes and Unified Sport teammates are expected to participate in summer games and compete in cycling, swimming, soccer, tennis and track and field throughout the weekend, according to the release. The public is invited to attend opening ceremonies and summer games competition events throughout the weekend at no cost.
To find out where the run will pass through the various towns on all legs, visit soct.org, email specialolympics@soct.org or call 203230-1201. Follow Special Olympics Connecticut and the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Connecticut on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.