HUTCHINSON, Kan. – Despite overcast skies and cool temperatures, the Special Olympics Torch run with local law enforcement was held Saturday morning with a number of local law enforcement agencies involved. This is to bring awareness and raise some money for Special Olympics.

The Reno County version of the the Law Enforcement Torch Run is part of a series of statewide runs which will travel approximately 1,276 miles throughout the state.

The Torch Run in Hutchinson started at 17th and went to Avenue A Park. Special Olympic athletes from Reno County joined officers starting at 4th Street and continued to Avenue A.

Law Enforcement Officers, along with Dustin Gunter, member of Royal Valley Panthers Special Olympics in Hoyt, Most Inspirational Athlete of 2015, will light the cauldron to officially open the Summer Games in front of over 3,000 athletes, coaches and fans of Special Olympics Kansas on June 3rd in Wichita.

The Torch Run is the largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics Kansas. Officers volunteer hundreds of hours each year and in 2015 raised $543,582.96 in support of Special Olympics Kansas programs.

For more information on Special Olympics, visit the Kansas website at www.ksso.org.