If you see a bunch of law-enforcers running from the Geneva Police Department to the Kane County Cougars’ Fifth-Third Bank Ballpark carrying torches on June 6, don’t be alarmed.

In fact, we hope you’re excited, because the 2.1-mile run is part of the fundraising efforts for the Illinois Special Olympics.

If you regularly read Kane County Connects (and we’re sure you do), you know that Kane County law-enforcement agencies are among the leaders in generating funds for the Special Olympics program.

The Kane County Sheriff’s Office is sponsoring this leg of the run, which carries the Flame of Hope nearly 1,500 miles, running through thousands of Illinois communities via 23 different legs (routes) to its final destination.

Really, anyone can “carry a torch,” and anyone can run on June 6. If you’d like to join the fun, please RSVP to Linda Hagemann at hagemannlinda@co.kane.il.us.

As part of the event, the Sheriff’s Office has invited Amanda Propheter, who was recently crowned Miss Amazing Illinois, to participate in the torch run. To read more about Amanda, visit missamazingpageant.com.

“We are trying to promote support for the athletes,” said Deputy Sue Deuchler, who helps coordinate the event. “Each year, we do this it is a mixture of avid runners, special Olympics athletes, officers and people who just want to come out to run.”

Along the route we will have squad car escorts along with bottled water to hand out, Deuchler said.

Torch Run 2015

• DATE: Saturday, June 6, 2015
• STARTING LOCATION: Geneva Police Department, 20 Police Plaza, Geneva, IL
• REGISTRATION: 8 a.m.  to 8:45 a.m.
• RUN START TIME: 9 a.m.

What is the Law Enforcement Torch Run?

The Law Enforcement Torch Run® is the single largest year-round fundraising event benefiting Special Olympics Illinois. The annual intrastate relay and its various fundraising projects have two goals: to raise money and to gain awareness for the athletes who participate in Special Olympics Illinois. The Law Enforcement Torch Run® has raised nearly $28 million over 27 years while increasing awareness of Special Olympics Illinois athletes and their accomplishments. View the 2014 Law Enforcement Torch Run® brochure.

Approximately 3,000 officers representing every branch of law enforcement across the state from local police officers to FBI agents will carry the Flame of Hope nearly 1,500 miles, running through thousands of Illinois communities via 23 different legs (routes) to its final destination — the Opening Ceremonies of the Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games in June in Normal. View list of participating agencies and Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run® Committee members.

Read More

• Get a Free Donut Friday at 21 Cop-on-Top Locations in Kane County
• Maple Park Police Keep Alive Flame of Hope for Illinois Special Olympians
• Help Team Kane County, Kaneland Students Take the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics

Donate to Illinois Special Olympics.