White River Junction
After every name was announced, a round of applause from the hundreds gathered in outside the Hartford Municipal Building followed. About 200 of those gathered had just taken part in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run, which this year raised nearly $5,000 for Special Olympics Vermont. The torch run is held each year at locations throughout the state in the buildup to the Summer Games, which begin today in South Burlington.
“It’s their one chance to stand on stage and shine,” said Randi Harron, a parent-volunteer with the Upper Valley Hawks and mother to Special Olympian Bo Harron. “For this to happen and be just one day about them, it really is a big deal.”
Participants had a choice of biking, running or walking, with all eventually meeting at the municipal building. About 40-50 town employees participated from Hartford and the surrounding community, in addition to students from area schools and community members.
“They’re so involved,” Kasten said of the Upper Valley Hawks athletes. “We’re very fortunate to have them and their families here in our community.”
A fundraiser like the torch run, which is beyond the scope of the sporting events the athletes regularly compete in, provides an avenue for the athletes to interact with community members they might not encounter elsewhere.
“It’s building a bond with Special Olympics, younger kids, the community and the athletes,” Harron said.
It’s a bond that Hartford and the Upper Valley Hawks hope continues to grow.
Editors Note: To learn more about the Upper Valley Hawks, contact Missie Rodriguez at dalmatianmr@yahoo.com.
Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.
