About Torch Run
SGT Brian Wancik's Insights on the 2011 International Torch Run Conference
* Excerpts from a longer article by SGT Brian Wanick
In November of 2011, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the 2011 International Law Enforcement Torch Run Conference in Calgary, Canada. The purpose of this trip was to familiarize myself with the background and intricacies of the Special Olympics and the Law Enforcement Torch Run. Without sounding too dramatic, I was astounded by what I learned and observed.
To me, the Torch Run meant meeting on Route 1 in Alexandria once a year to get a free T-shirt and escort the unlit torch to the Prince William County line. It served as an annual stress reliever with fellow Civil Enforcement deputies. Last year, I participated in my first Virginia Law Enforcement Torch Run Tip-A-Cop event at Red Robin. Once again, to me, it meant raising some money for Special Olympics and getting a free meal.
Several years ago, MDS Phil Doyle and I mutually volunteered to take part in the Special Olympics Virginia Beach Polar Plunge. It sounded like a good time. We raised just enough money to qualify our participation in that event. Despite my lack of real understanding as to why I was doing all of this, I was having a good time. That correlated into an increasing motivation over the last several years. In 2011, we raised over $3,000 for the Polar Plunge and ranked third in the State of Virginia for the money raised at the Red Robin Tip-A-Cop event. I now understand the correlation between the Special Olympics and the Law Enforcement Torch Run, and I understand why we do it.
It is difficult to understand the depth of the Special Olympics’ impact on this special community until you actually experience some aspect of it personally. By this, I mean meeting a Special Olympian, hearing their story, or coaching a Special Olympics event. Despite my gruff exterior, I was deeply touched and highly motivated by their stories. They reminded us all, that no matter how bad life may seem, difficulties can be overcome. Every Special Olympic athlete I met always had the biggest smile and the most positive attitude. It is for this reason, the infectious smiles and flaming optimism, that the lives of all of those that coach these athletes are equally influenced. Furthermore, I was amazed that these transformed individuals, now known and referred to as Special Olympians, had the courage to speak in front of 1,000+ conference attendees.
Each summer, law enforcement officials carry the Flame of Hope across the state culminating with the Torch Run Final Leg, and the lighting of the cauldron to officially open the Special Olympics Virginia Summer Games in Richmond. The 1,900-mile, 8-day Torch Run involves more than 2,000 law enforcement officers and personnel representing more than 200 law enforcement agencies across Virginia. Now in its 26th year, the Torch Run has raised more than $13 million for Special Olympics Virginia.
We, as law enforcement officers, have sworn to serve our community, however the nature of our duties at the Sheriff’s Office limits our abilities to extend out into the community. This is an event that not only provides us an opportunity to get out into the community, but to facilitate and create a priceless change in the lives of intellectually disabled athletes across the state.
As long as I can remember, First Lieutenant John Chrisinger has been the force driving our agency’s Torch Run fundraising efforts. As his career nears its end, I will likely be taking the torch from him and carrying it onward. Sharing my experience with you and hopefully enlightening you as to the purpose of this cause; I hope that you find the desire, motivation, or courage to become involved in future events, whether by participation or through monetary donations.
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