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Storm Special Olympics Joins Law Enforcement for Torch Run in Larned

Holding the Torch – Storm Athlete Caitlyn Stinger proudly holds the “Flame of Hope” Torch among her Storm Team members, along with area Law Enforcement during the Law Enforcement Torch Run in Larned on the morning of May 20.

More than 75 people participated in the central Kansas portion of the Law Enforcement Torch Run on Wednesday morning (May 20) in Larned. Approximately 30 members of Storm Special Olympics Team joined law enforcement personnel from Larned State Correctional Facility, Larned Police Department, Larned EMS, Pawnee County Sheriff’s Office, Ellsworth Correctional Facility, and Kansas Highway Patrol for the annual event. Larned Torch Run participants escorted the Special Olympics “Flame of Hope” from Schnack Park to the Pawnee County Courthouse on Main Street.

After the run, participants enjoyed a barbecue celebration of hot dogs and hamburgers on the courthouse lawn.

Group Strength – The consortium of law enforcement agencies, along with Storm Special Olympics Team, gather for a “Flame of Hope” Torch photo at Schack Park, prior to participating in the central Kansas leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run in Larned on the morning of May 20.

Storm Team will meet back up with the torch when the athletes participate in track and field at the Kansas Special Olympics Summer Games at Maize South High School June 5-7. The final leg of the Kansas Torch Run will take place from Wichita City Hall to Maize South High where the cauldron will be lit to open the Summer Games.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is a global movement that raises awareness and funds for Special Olympics. It's the largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness campaign for Special Olympics, engaging more than 110,000 law enforcement personnel worldwide.

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Storm Troopers – Storm Special Olympics members, along with Pawnee County Law Enforcement agencies and Ellsworth Correctional Facility personnel travel through Broadway in downtown Larned to complete participation in their leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run on May 20.

For more information, contact Amanda Hammond, Storm Team Local Program Coordinator, AmandaH@rosewoodservices.com, 620-793-5888.

May 26, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Story by: Michael Dawes, director of PR, Rosewood Services, 620-792-2536, MichaelD@rosewoodservices.com