The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
FLAME OF HOPE
Conditions ideal for Special Olympics Connecticut’s North Branford-to-Hartford leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run
MIDDLETOWN » Scott Thayer is thrilled every year as he laces up his running shoes, ready for his important mission.
The 50-year-old Special Olympics Connecticut athlete has been participating in the year-round sports training and athletic competitions since 1979. He held the flame of hope aloft Thursday as he ran threequarters of a mile down Washington Street to Middlesex Mutual Assurance Company on Broad Street, where a hearty cookouts-tyle lunch awaited.
He joined about nine law enforcement officers — Middletown police, state Department of Correction and Southern Connecticut State University officers and state police troopers — who took part in the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run. Each ran different distances along the 20-mile leg from North Branford to Hartford during the three-day event.
Middletown police officer Lee Buller was relieved that the weather — partly sunny, pleasantly warm and dry — made his portion of the course much less difficult than it has been in the past.
“It’s rewarding,” said Buller. “We have a very tough, really long course and it’s usually in the 70s and blisteringly hot.”
This weekend, the officer will volunteer with medical staff at the Summer Games in New Haven Friday through Sun-
"No matter what kind of a bad day you’re having, the athletes bring pure joy to you because it’s always great for them. We had two runners who went from the Wallingford line to Meriden and all the way here." — State Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner Dora B. Schriro
FROM PAGE 1 day. Buller, who “never runs,” said over the years, he has become friends with many of the athletes. Runners from around the state will converge Friday night at Southern for opening ceremonies and weekend-long Summer Games in New Haven.
On Thursday, as participants rounded the corner from Route 66 and made their way past the Russell Library, escorted by local police on motorcycles, they were met by several dozen people who applauded their efforts.
Athletes participate in Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, including swimming, cycling, tennis and soccer throughout the year.
The entire Middletown SWAT team, including one who ran with his young daughter, took part in Thursday’s event, said Det. Jeff Laskowski, who logged 7.5 miles as part of event and has joined runners since 2012. “It’s great fun with the team,” said Laskowski.
Participants enjoyed barbecue chicken, potato salad, hamburgers, hot dogs, watermelon, coleslaw and more outside Middlesex Mutual at 1 p.m., where athletes took a break to eat, dance and enjoy rock music cover songs by the 41prospect band.
Special Olympics assistant torch director for law enforcement, retired corrections officer Joe Carlone of Branford, said he is always uplifted by the event. He normally runs the route but wasn’t able to Thursday because he wanted to get to the Capitol early to welcome state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner Dora B. Schriro.
“No matter what kind of a bad day you’re having, the athletes bring pure joy to you because it’s always great for them,” he said. “We had two runners who went from the Wallingford line to Meriden and all the way here.”
“Police officers and DOC pass the torch from town line to town line, so it’s all law enforcement running and there are some athletes that run with each town,” said his wife, Special Olympics Senior Director of Special Events Lisa Carlone. In all 1,500 take part over the three days, Joe Carlone said.
The couple rode along in the pickup that paced the athletes at an 11-minute mile. Lisa Carlone has been involved in the Special Olympics for 35 years, she said.
“It’s an experience that you almost can’t explain. Our athletes are so inspirational and so thankful to law enforcement for everything they do. Many law enforcement officers have formed relationships with our athletes: volunteering as coaches, Unified (Sports) partners or just friends,” she said. “Our athletes look at law enforcement as heroes.”
Middletown Community Relations Officer Anthony Knapp said he looks forward to the torch run every year and works with other organizers year round to make sure the event runs smoothly.
“It’s awesome: one of those things that makes us happy and proud to be involved.” Knapp said, as law enforcement raise funds for Special Olympics Connecticut during benefits such as the recent Tip A Cop at Amici Italian Grill on Main Street, which raised $1,800.
DOC probation officer Yvonne Lee jogged the full 20 miles and met her father for lunch at the 18-mile mark. Lee often runs marathons, she said, and most recently completed one in Burlington, Vermont. This is her third year with the torch run. “It’s definitely hot and pretty hilly through Meriden,” she said good-naturedly.
Lisa Carlone said she always marvels at the athletes’ enthusiasm and how they encourage the runners. “They’re pulling you on and they’re cheering you on and they stop so you can catch up to them.
“Everything is good in the world, everybody is happy and when you have an athlete next to you, more times than not, they’re a better runner than you,” she said.