The Special Olympics torch was run  from the Kimball Fire Station to Gotte Park on July 14. An escort of 22 law enforcement officers from all over the U. S. plus three Special Olympic athletes and KHS track star Kaitlin Moritz accompanied the torch.

The group was welcomed to Kimball by Emcee Michael Ferguson. Danielle Huff sang the National Anthem while John Frechette of Brattleboro, VT. and Robbie Lowe of Michigan displayed the Special Olympic torch. Frechette is an officer on the Brattleboro SWAT team and has dedicated a week to this torch run, as have the other runners. Robbie Lowe is a Special Olympics athlete.

The local VFW chapter carried the colors.

Kim Baliman and Ann Warner, President of City Council, made presentations to the visiting group.

James Strickland, a 20 year participant in Special Olympic competition, said, “The people who support these Olympics have the biggest hearts in the world.”

He said, “ Our law enforcement escorts are a great group to be around.”

Turning to address the law enforcement runners, Strickland said, “I love you all. We are friends forever.”

Strickland then presented a medallion to Kimball Police Chief Doug Provance and also to Warner.

The KHS cheerleaders led a cheer for the visitors.

It was a gala occasion on a bright summer day in support of a worthy cause.

Three different torches are being carried through the state on three different routes. All told, 56 law enforcement officers from 46 states and nine Special Olympics athletes are involved.

The three caravans all ended up in Lincoln on July 17 where the Special Olympics will take place at several locations.