A group of law enforcement personnel ran through Dutchess and Ulster counties carrying the torch for the New York Special Olympics. This is the 36th annual Law Enforcement Torch Run. The runners on Friday began with a police motorcycle escort at the FDR Presidential Library in Hyde Park, traveling south past Marist College, before heading to the Parker Avenue Pavilion at the Walkway Over the Hudson. The group was greeted by the Hudson Valley Director of Special Olympics New York, Teresa Gilli, several elected officials, and community groups and members. Gilli said, “Members of law enforcement act as the ‘Guardians of the Flame of Hope’ which is the torch, and our law enforcement partners do an incredible job of protecting the flame.” This year more than 60 runners associated with law enforcement raised money to support the Special Olympics and participate in the 8.5 mile run.
Gilli’s biggest fundraiser in the Hudson Valley is the “Polar Plunge” and there are three plunges coming up; October 26 at Wilcox Park, November 9 in Orange County, and then when it gets really cold, the biggest event will take place in early 2025 – the Fishkill Polar Plunge. “This event gets bigger every year, and we have some tremendous supporters that show up and help us take care of our Special Olympics athletes,” said Gilli. The mission of the New York Special Olympics is to provide athletes with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to challenge themselves in fair and even competition as well as make friends and have fun.
