Flame ignites hope
By Melody Brown-Peyton
Published in News on May 23, 2018 5:50 AM
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News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Devon Green and Matt Davis help Ryan Hood run up John Street toward the Goldsboro Police Department, as the group comes to the end of the annual Special Olympics Torch Run Friday. The estimated 14-mile run through the streets of Goldsboro took about three hours to complete.
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News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Alan Jenkins holds up the torch in front of the Goldsboro Police Department, as he and over a dozen people finish the annual Special Olympics Torch Run.
Members of the Goldsboro Police Department took part in the annual Special Olympics Torch Run Friday.
The run is known as the Flame of Hope, where officers from around the state host torch runs in their community.
Six police officers and six cadets ran the 14-mile course through the streets of Goldsboro to raise money for Special Olympics 2018 SONC Summer Games.
The run started on John Street, then went to Arrington Bridge Road, U.S. 117, George Street, Ash Street, Spence Avenue, Cashwell Drive, Berkeley Boulevard, Royall Avenue, William Street, Center Street, Walnut Street and back to John Street.
Officer Andrew Nail, who serves as the coordinator for the torch run, said that officers look forward to taking part in this run each year.
"It provides us with the opportunity to get to know the athletes," Nail said.
Nail said that their goal is to raise $6,000. So far, they have raised $3,000. Anyone who would like to make a monetary donation can do so by visiting the Goldsboro Police Department, at 204 S. Center St.
Ryan Hood, who will be taking part next month in the softball skill competition at the Summer Games, said that being a part of the Special Olympics is the best part of his life.
"I have had really great coaches as I have prepared for games," Hood said.
Hood has been a part of the Special Olympics for 30-years. He is the global messenger for Wayne County and the state of North Carolina. In that role, he drums up support for the Special Olympics.
During the state games, athletes will be judged on running the bases, hitting for accuracy and catching the ball. His coach, Donna May, said it has been a pleasure to work with Hood.
"It is nice working with someone who absorbs everything like a sponge," May said.
Hood said he is looking forward to the state competition, where he is able to connect with friends he has met over the years. Being a part of the Special Olympics has afforded him the opportunity to travel to Dublin, Ireland, where he competed in the Special Olympics World Games in 2003.
The mission of the Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports. The goal is to combine high-quality sports and be a driving force for social inclusion of people with disabilities.
The torch run began in North Carolina in 1987 with relays from Raleigh to Charlotte and the University of North Carolina.
The first Special Olympics International Games were held in Chicago, with six athletes from North Carolina taking part. When North Carolina held its first Special Olympics games in 1970, 400 people participated.
Rachel McQuiston, N.C. Special Olympics vice president of communications, said that nearly 1,900 athletes from around the state will compete during the Summer Games, June 1 through June 3 at the Reynolds Coliseum on the campus of N.C. State University.
"This year's Summer Games are an exceptionally important one as they mark our biggest celebration of the 50th anniversary of the global Special Olympics movement," McQuiston said. "Throughout the weekend, we will honor the founding of our organization and recognize how far we've come as a movement."
Special olympians will compete in bowling, cheerleading, cycling, gymnastics, powerlifting, softball, swimming and volleyball. The athletes have trained for at least eight weeks prior to the Summer Games.
The N.C. Special Olympics Summer Games will have its opening ceremony at 7:30 p.m. on June 1. The program will include a dance party, singing and entertainment. All events are free and open to the public. The doors will open at 6:30 p.m.