FLAME GUARDS
Runners in Spa City raise funds, awareness for athletes
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.
» With Special Olympics New York coming to Siena College this weekend, law enforcement orchestrated “Guardians of the Flame” on Monday morning to raise funds and awareness for athletes.
The nearly three-mile run began at Ellsworth Jones Place, as 15 city and state park officers journeyed through downtown Saratoga Springs, ending at Saratoga Spa State Park.
“They carry the torch and it’s really welcoming the flame of hope into the Capital Region, welcoming the athletes,” said Jennifer Frame, director of development for the Capital Region. “It’s ... to celebrate the athletes training and competing for the summer games.”
The torch will be carried in different areas in the Capital Region this week, culminating Thursday, the day before the opening ceremonies for Special Olympics New York. On Tuesday, the torch run starts in Schoon Lake at 9:30 where runners will travel more than 45 miles down Route 9 to Glens Falls City Hall at 3 p.m. On Wednesday, the run begins at the Washington County Jail at 7:30 a.m., following Route 4 and ends at the Mechanicville Public Library at 1:30 p.m. On Thursday there will be two legs to the run. The first, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at Veteran’s Park in Schenectady down Central Avenue. The second leg will go from East Greenbush Town Hall over the Dunn Memorial
"The Law Enforcement Torch Run isn’t just about running with a torch ... Our goal has always been to bring awareness to the talents, hopes and dreams of the athletes of Special Olympics." — June Worden
Bridge to the steps of Albany’s City Hall.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run has been a tradition for over 30 years now.
Saratoga Springs Police Officer Amy Evertsen said the department is always honored to be a part of the run.
“We had a pretty good turnout, and everybody is thrilled to be here,” said Evertsen.
The state games, hosted by Siena College in Loudonville, happen June 15 through June 17. Over 1,700 athletes and coaches will compete in the summer games this weekend. The Torch Run helps kick things off.
“The Law Enforcement Torch Run isn’t just about running with a torch... Our goal has always been to bring awareness to the talents, hopes and dreams of the athletes of Special Olympics,” June Worden, retired New York State Police, current Law Enforcement Torch Run State Director of NY and Special Olympics New York Board of Directors member said in a release. “Moving forward we hope to unify all athletes, regardless of skill level, to inclusion. In doing so our world will be a better place both on and off the playing fields.”