WICHITA — It was a long, hot weekend for the 20-plus Special Olympians from Barton and surrounding counties as they took part in the Special Olympics Kansas Summer State Games this past weekend at Wichita State University.
The athletes brought home several gold, silver and bronze medals, as well as placing ribbons. They competed in heats based on skill levels and ages.
From the opening ceremonies Friday night to the final relay ran Sunday afternoon, the Olympians took part in  a host of track and field events. There were running and walking races, shot put throws, softball and tennis ball tosses, and standing and running long jumps.
The local participants and accompanying parents and coaches were far from alone in WSU’s busy Cessna Stadium. According to SOK spokesperson Donna Zimmerman, there were 1,387 athletes representing 61 teams from across Kansas, along with 400 coaches. In addition, there were 2,700 volunteers on hand.
In addition to the sporting events, there were numerous tributes through out the weekend marking the 30th anniversary of the Law Enforcement Torch Run. What started with six officers in Wichita as a small fund raiser for Special Olympics Kansas has grown into an international effort involving 85,000 officers in 43 countries. It raises about $370 million each year.
“It all started right here in Wichita, Kansas,” Zimmerman said.
Closer to home, local law enforcement personnel take part in the Torch Run each year. In Kansas, over 650 officers from over 60 agencies will carry the torch through 28 counties on their way to the Wichita games where the cauldron was lit Friday night.