CHESAPEAKE, Virginia (WAVY) – This week, the “Flame of Hope” is making its way through the Commonwealth to celebrate the return of the Virginia Special Olympics after COVID-19 put many of its events on hold last year Has.
Fifty-six people from the Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office joined 2,000 law enforcement officers from 200 agencies across the state this week to keep the “flame of hope” burning.
You will cover a total of 22,000 miles – one for each Special Olympics athlete. This includes Chesapeake’s own Chad Allen, who often carries the torch at this annual run.
“I take a rest and am ready to go again. I don’t want to give up, ”Allen told WAVY.com.
This attitude also helps him in competition, where he won many medals in swimming in bowling.
Chad and other Special Olympians knew the isolation long before COVID-19. Fundraising events like these are important in getting them back into play.
Maj. Chris Pascal organizes all Special Olympics events with the Chesapeake Sheriff’s Office.
“Once you get to know the athletes, there will always be a moment or encounter that touches your heart and when that happens you are addicted. You can’t escape it, you don’t want to get away from it. They are looking forward to the next event, ”he said.
Chesapeake raised around $ 5,000 and is slowly starting its local events like “Splash at the Lake” and “Dancing with the Athlete,” which Allen helped create.
Traditionally, the torch relay ends with the lighting of the cauldron in Richmond to begin the Summer Games.
This year, due to the pandemic, they are holding smaller regional events.
They will light the cauldron in Richmond tomorrow, Saturday, June 12th at 2pm during a virtual ceremony Facebook.