Two dozen law enforcement officers from seven different agencies in Jackson County participated in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run to signify the opening of the Special Olympic games in the county on April 19.
The officers began their three-mile run Friday morning from downtown Sylva with a lighted torch, down Highway 107, and onto the Smoky Mountain High School football field to officially start the games with dozens of athletes from seven schools and groups participating.
“Many of our agencies for Jackson County are coming together to support a special occasion, the Special Olympics,” said Sgt. Mark Leamon, coordinator for the Torch run for Jackson County. Leamon, a deputy sheriff with the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, also serves as the D.A.R.E. Officer for Jackson County schools.
Chief Steve Lillard with the Western Carolina Police Department said there are a number of various communityevents that officers
throughout the county get involved in. He says Special Olympics is something wonderful for all of them.
“This one that we can all get behind together and just really show our support and be there to make sure that they have a great event,” Chief Lillard said.
In total, 25 law enforcement officers from Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Sylva Police Department, Western Carolina University Police Department, North Carolina SBI, Alcohol Law Enforcement, North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, and North Carolina State Highway Patrol participated. Some ran the entire three miles. Others ran certain legs along the route. But they all felt honored to participate.
“It’s just a great event,” said Assistant Chief of Police Robbie Carter, Sylva Police Department. “It’s a great way to support the athletes in the Special Olympics and kind of give back to the community a little bit. The athletes are tremendous, and it’s a huge inspiration to folks.”
When the law enforcement officers approached the football stadium, there were cheering groups of athletes, fans, family members, school officials and volunteers. There was also one person present who sees this event as the highlight of her year.
“Everyone in my office, and most probably everyone in this community knows, I say that this is my favorite day of the year,” said Dr. Dana Ayers, superintendent, Jackson County Public Schools. “This is the day that you get to see our Olympians interact with
others from across the district. What you see is joy.”
All you had to do was look around at the smiles on the faces of the athletes. Olympian Robert Bishop
was certainly excited.
“It's one of my best days, really,” beamed Bishop, who competes in running and throwing as part of the Smoky Mountain High
School team.
The other teams included Cullowhee Valley School, Fairview School, Southwestern Community College, Jackson County, Qualla
Boundary and Smokey Mountain Elementary School.
All the schools paraded themselves on the track and onto the field. The law enforcement officers ran one lap around the track and
entered the field. Sgt. Leamon led the group of officers, and helping him carry the torch on the final stretch was Olympian Andy
Watty, who was all smiles as he entered the field. And with that, the games began.
“They mean a lot to us,” said Sgt. Leamon. “If we could do that to show the support for them, it means a lot to us as well.”
- STAFF REPORTS