SACRAMENTO — Hundreds of Sacramento-area law enforcement members joined the Northern California Special Olympics torch run, hours before the Opening ceremonies.
“It shows unity, showing what we can do for the community, supporting the special olympics by doing the torch run,” Lt. David Powers of the Placer County Sheriff’s Department said.
At 5:30 a.m. the first leg of law enforcement runners left Granite Bay, and relayed every 3 miles, toward the State Capitol. Some ran with their families.
“It’s important to show him that the department is more than just the people I work with. It’s all part of the family. So I have my son here,” Robert Serranzana of the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department said.
Others ran in honor of fellow officers who have passed.
“Remember our Karen Johnson, who was killed in 2003 while out running. She was an avid runner and actually, she instrumental in bringing the torch run to Placer County, many years ago,” Dena Irwin of the Placer County Sheriff’s Department said.
But no matter what agency, all ran in support of the special Olympics of Northern California.
Each department has raised thousands of dollars for this year’s Summer Games, which will feature more than 700 athletes from Northern California.
“This year, they did 600 fund raising events for us. And they’re busy people with very stressful lives,” Dr. Kevin Reeds of Special Olympics Northern California said.
Participants said the inspiration goes both ways. Athletes and officers said they would not be able to do what they do, if it wasn’t for each other.
“When we interact with the athletes at the games, or other fundraisers throughout the year, they’re really so happy to see us, High giving us, shaking our hands, the excitement. Believe me, it is a 2-way street. We love to see them and spend time with them as well,” Lt. Jason Ramos of the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department said.
“The special needs community has held my heart in so many ways, it’s unbelievable. Each summer when I volunteer at the games, that’s my Christmas,” Assemblyman Jim Frazier of Sacramento (D) said in an emotional speech at the Capitol.
The Opening Ceremonies will begin at 7 pm at the Arc Pavilion at UC Davis.
The games continue through the weekend.
