Special Olympics gets boost from S.C. officers' torch run

S.C. Highway Patrol Lance Cpl. Rich Riney ran last Friday to benefit those for whom his three-mile jaunt would be a struggle.

Riney was one of scores of law-enforcement officers around the state who, though he did not literally carry a torch, did so symbolically for the Special Olympics.

Edward C. Fennell/The Post and Courier

S.C. Highway Patrol Lance Cpl. Rich Riney passes Summerville Town Square while completing a three-mile segment of the Special Olympics Torch Run.

The Special Olympics is an annual weekend of competition for the mentally disabled from all over South Carolina.

"The Special Olympics is dedicated to improving the lives of intellectually challenged children and adults," said Highway Patrol Lance Cpl. Paul Brouthers. "This is something that truly deserves attention."

This year, the Special Olympics is set for Friday through Sunday at Fort Jackson, Richland Northeast High School and All Star Gymnastics, all in the Columbia area. More than 1,000 athletes, 200 coaches and 800 volunteers will make the Special Olympics possible.

Though the Special Olympics will take place in the Midlands, it's a statewide event, thanks in part to the torch run conducted by the Highway Patrol.

According to the Special Olympics Web site, the event creates more than 190 sports training and competition opportunities to about 15,000 athletes nationwide or their families. The experience is "energizing, healthy, skillful, welcoming and joyful," the site states.

The event helps the participants "realize their full potential and develop their skills. As a result, Special Olympics athletes become fulfilled and productive members of their families and the communities in which they live. (They) develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families and other Special Olympics athletes and the community," the site states.

The run began April 24 on U.S. Highway 278 in Jasper County and followed various highways before entering Beaufort County and using U.S. highways 17A and 21. From Beaufort County, the route headed to Hampton County, then Colleton County and eventually, on its second day, emerged in Dorchester County. Riney ran Highway 17A from south of Summerville into town and to East Richardson Avenue. From there, Trooper Laura Hydrick carried on as the run headed to Lincolnville, Ladson and North Charleston.

For more information on the Special Olympics or to make a donation, visit so-sc.org.

Reach Edward C. Fennell at 745-5865.