Law enforcement, supporters come together for Special Olympics Torch Run

Published 3:09 pm Tuesday, June 9, 2026

QUINCY — Across the state of Illinois, thousands of members of law enforcement took to streets and roads to carry the torch for Special Olympics Illinois, an annual tradition to raise funds and show support for athletes with special needs.

While some organizations will cross the state, locally, members of the Quincy Police Department and the Adams County Sheriff’s Department ran roughly two miles from St. Dominic School to Transitions of Western Illinois before having a celebratory lunch with athletes and other clients of Transitions.

“Events like the Law Enforcement Torch Run are important because they show our athletes that they have an entire community standing behind them,” QPD Officer Amber Haistings said. “They work so hard and inspire all of us; being able to come together and celebrate them is a small way we can support them.”

Carrying that support with them, local Special Olympians will make the trip to Bloomington-Normal this weekend for the Illinois Special Olympics Summer Games. More than 15,000 people, including athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, and family members, are expected to take part in the games.

“These athletes work so hard and overcome so many obstacles,” Haistings said. “When you’re around them, they remind us how much effort and heart they put into overcoming those obstacles. They represent dedication, sportsmanship, and positivity. They are an inspiration to anyone who meets them.”

The Torch Run has been a part of regional law enforcement for decades. Though scaled back following the 2020 pandemic period, officers and deputies, joined by family and friends in the community, continue to show support by making the mile-and-a-half run from St. Dominic Catholic Elementary School to Transitions of Western Illinois on North 48th Street.

Once at Transitions, the runners – frequently joined by staff and clients of Transitions – complete a lap around the facility, bringing the total run to just under two miles. All participants are then treated to lunch at Transitions.

“It is an honor to be a part of something that is bigger than any one agency,” Haistings said. “When law enforcement officers from all across Illinois come together for this run, it shows all the athletes how much we support them. Even on the hottest day, the athletes’ enthusiasm makes it easy to keep going.”

For all the latest on local athletes taking part in this year’s games, follow Special Olympics Illinois – Region H on Facebook.