Wilton police officers are preparing to take to the streets and participate in the 32nd Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Connecticut, this Friday, June 8. They’ll run through Wilton as part of a statewide effort spanning three days, June 6-8, during which approximately 1,500 local law enforcement volunteers criss-cross Connecticut for more than 530 miles carrying the Special Olympics ‘Flame of Hope’ from town to town. The torchbearers will carry it to its final destination at Southern Connecticut State University during the Opening Ceremonies of Special Olympics Connecticut’s Summer Games on June 8.
The Wilton leg of the Torch Run begins at approximately 9:45 a.m. at the WEPCO complex on New Canaan Rd./Rte. 106. Participating police officers will run the torch through the Miller-Driscoll parking lot through cheering crowds of students and faculty before heading down Wolfpit Rd. toward Wilton Center. Officers will turn onto Horseshoe Rd. and follow River Rd. and Old Ridgefield Rd. around 10 a.m.. The torch will then make its way from Center St., to Ridgefield Rd., and then turn right to head south on Danbury Rd./Rt. 7 to Town Hall and the Police Department.
Torchbearers always appreciate cheers of encouragement along their route as they run. Police spokespeople say they hope Wilton residents will come out to see their officers during their participation in the event.
Local Wilton Law Enforcement Torch Run Sponsors are Cannondale Generators and Fairfield County Bank at the Town-Sponsored level; and the following at the Mile Sponsor Level: Wilton Police Union, Wilton PBA, Anytime Fitness, Gregory and Adams PC, Painted Cookie, Outdoor Sports Center, The Crystal Family, Devan Chevy-Buick of Wilton, Realty Seven, and Wilton Hardware.
Special Olympics Connecticut provides year-round sports training and competitions for over 12,000 athletes of all ages with intellectual disabilities and Unified Sports partners, their teammates without disabilities. Through the joy of sport, the Special Olympics movement transforms lives and communities throughout the state and in 172 countries around the world by promoting good health and fitness and inspiring inclusion and respect for all people, on and off the playing field.
This year, Special Olympics Connecticut will host its annual Summer Games presented by United Technologies and celebrate its 50th Anniversary as well, Friday, June 8 through Sunday, June 10. As in past years, the event will be held at Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven as well as Hamden Hall Country Day School Skiff Street Athletic Complex in Hamden. A new location, Yale University West Campus in Orange, has been added this year for the cycling competition.
Along with cycling, athletes will compete in swimming, soccer, athletics (track and field), and tennis throughout the weekend. The action kicks off on Friday night with Opening Ceremonies at the Jess Dow Field at Southern Connecticut State University at 7:15 p.m.. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend both the ceremonies and events throughout the weekend, daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about Summer Games, visit Special Olympics Connecticut’s website, and follow Special Olympics Connecticut on social media.
This article has been updated to include the local sponsors of the Wilton leg of the Torch Run.