FERGUSON TOWNSHIP — The torch that police officers starting running with in Pittsburgh crossed through Centre County on Thursday in time for opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics Pennsylvania Summer Games.
To kick off this year’s Special Olympics and celebrate its 40th anniversary, teams of law enforcement officers took turns running with the torch starting Tuesday at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. While law enforcement teams in the Centre Region and other parts of the state have held torch runs for the Special Olympics in the past, this was the first year for a 150-mile run that brought together teams from half the state.
Mike McDannel, a State College police detective, was catching his breath as one team handed the torch to another during a break Thursday off West College Avenue. McDannel said he had run in two legs — one with very hot weather and another that was cooler.
“It’s a great organization, and it’s a great event,” McDannel said. “We’re just trying to support that and be a part of it.”
About two dozen runners for the last leg — about 3 miles from West College Ave. onto the Penn State campus — were ready to go, sporting “Be a Fan” torch run T-shirts. One of them was Michelle Eshenour, a Special Olympics parent and coach from the Harrisburg area. For her, the run was in keeping with both of her passions.
“I have a son who’s an athlete and I coach long distance running,” Eshenour said. “My passions are running and Special Olympics.”
The torch run not only brought attention to the Special Olympics, it also helped the teams raise money for the cause. State College police Lt. Chris Fishel, one of the organizers of the Centre County leg, said $53,000 had been raised through sponsorships, donations and fund-raising statewide.
This year’s effort grew out of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, where organizers reached out to other police departments. He said the goal “is to draw attention to the athletes, the competitors and the volunteers.”
Under ominous clouds and a few rain drops, runners left the parking lot on West College Avenue for the last of about 40 legs to the run. Pittsburgh police on motorcycles led the way, followed by the runners, carrying the torch, and police escorts.
Melissa Gutch, a onetime Bellefonte resident with the Pittsburgh Police Department, ran both the first leg and the last one. She said the police departments have good working relationships, so it was just natural to come together.
Kathie Mayo, whose husband is Centre County manager for the Special Olympics, was running with their daughter Krista Newman, who is visiting from Denver. Mayo said running in the event meant being in something bigger than yourself.
“There are 38 legs to this,” she said, “and this is leg No. 38.”
Anne Danahy can be reached at 231-4648.
