Saturday, August 10, 2013

A Good Light

Torch Run line up APD

Friday's morose monsoons gave way to crisp clear skies with just enough of a breeze to bolster a body at work, ideal New England weather for a three mile jaunt through Amherst to UMass, as men and women of the Amherst Police Department  co-hosted the Law Enforcement Torch Run, a special benefit for a special event:  the Massachusetts Special Olympics.

 Torch Run hits Amherst town center

Hampden County Sheriff's Department and UMPD also helped co-sponsor the heart warming event.

 Torch Run greeted by AFD at Central Station

About 35 participants gathered at APD headquarters, 111 Main Street, and when the gun sounded at 7:00 PM  they set a comfortable pace up the hill into town center behind a fleet of escort  vehicles.

 Torch Run passes UMass Commonwealth Honors College new dorms

Near the end of the run the pack was joined by a horde of UMass athletes from the basketball, football and soccer programs for the final sprint into Berkshire Dining Commons where the (electronic) torch was illuminated before a packed standing room only crowd.
 Final few yards, torch in hand

In 2012 the statewide events raised $220,000 in total to benefit the athletes of Special Olympics.  Pretty special indeed.

 Torch all fired up

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a great event. Nice work everyone.

Massachusetts LETR said...

Thank you for the great article! The Law Enforcement Torch Run program had a very successful run in Amherst this weekend. The photos are excellent, we appreciate your coverage! Be sure to check out our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/LETRMA