Law Enforcement Torch Run raises money in IM for Special Olympics
Participants in the 13th-annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics gather on the steps of the Michigan State Police Post in Iron Mountain before starting the 2-mile event along U.S. 2 on Tuesday. (Marguerite Lanthier/Daily News photo)
From left, Peyton Olson and Madison Draze of the Escanaba Public Safety carry a torch and a flag at the finish of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics in Iron Mountain Also finishing the event were Tristan Klima-Huffman and Lucy Frank. (Marguerite Lanthier/Daily News photo)
Janis Voirol and son TreyMichael Voirol enjoy the meal provided by volunteers after participating in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics event Tuesday in Iron Mountain. (Marguerite Lanthier/Daily News photo)
Participants in the 13th-annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics gather on the steps of the Michigan State Police Post in Iron Mountain before starting the 2-mile event along U.S. 2 on Tuesday. (Marguerite Lanthier/Daily News photo)
From left, Peyton Olson and Madison Draze of the Escanaba Public Safety carry a torch and a flag at the finish of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics in Iron Mountain Also finishing the event were Tristan Klima-Huffman and Lucy Frank. (Marguerite Lanthier/Daily News photo)
Janis Voirol and son TreyMichael Voirol enjoy the meal provided by volunteers after participating in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics event Tuesday in Iron Mountain. (Marguerite Lanthier/Daily News photo)
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IRON MOUNTAIN -- About 52 Dickinson-Iron Intermediate School District special education students took part Tuesday in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics in Iron Mountain.
The students -- along with staff members, volunteers, friends and family -- traveled roughly 2 miles along U.S. 2 from the Michigan State Police Iron Mountain Post to the Iron Mountain Police and Fire Department station at 11 E. Fleshiem St. to raise money for Special Olympics during Flame of Hope Week in the state.
One of the organizers, MSP Trooper Geno Basanese, said he thought it was important to get the event going again after it faded for a number of years, so paired with Iron Mountain Police Deputy Director Adam Ray to bring the Torch Run back.
"We're excited," Basanese said before the run. "I can see a ton of athletes from the IDS. That's one of the advantages of having it during the day -- we can get so many athletes. We don't get as many adult participants but look at all the athletes we have."
He and Ray have attended the Special Olympics summer and winter state games a number of times. "So we got to know a lot of the athletes. They're just amazing," he said.
Janis Voirol, whose son TreyMichael has competed in the Special Olympics, took part in the walk for the first time in memory of her nephew, Joseph "Jobie" Bozil Jr.
"We have been participating in Special Olympics for a couple of years and we through it would be a good way to represent our area and also honor my nephew, who passed away a couple of years ago," Voirol said.
Both Jobie and his mom, Voirol's sister-in-law Jennifer Beauchamp, had taken part in the event every year in the past. Beauchamp was back Tuesday, walking with her sisters.
Special Olympics Michigan Area 38 Director Laura Doney said she is grateful for the Torch Run's support. "They help us go to different events, like their state events. We get to do more things in our community, and it helps with training and competition," she said.
The Special Olympics recently completed some of its summer leagues. On Oct. 3, they have a bowling tournament sponsored by BOSS planned at Recreation Lanes with about 247 participants so far and teams from four different areas.
According to Carla White of Munising, captain of the Upper Peninsula travel team, the Upper Peninsula has six Torch Runs, plus several downstate. One of the runs extends from the Keweenaw in the northwestern U.P. to Detroit.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the single largest grassroots fundraising effort for Special Olympics International.
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Marguerite Lanthier can be reached at 906-774-3500, ext. 85242, or mlanthier@ironmountaindailynews.com.