Special Olympics Torch Run

By Editor | May 28, 2025 |

Photo by Shari Harris
Staff from South Central Correctional Center carried the torch on the Licking leg of the Special Olympics Torch Run. They were joined by members of the community, including Ryder Evans and family, Mayor Scott Ogden, and, not pictured, members of the LPD, their spouses and a member of the Licking Fire Department.

By Shari Harris, Publisher

The 16th Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Missouri (LETR) was held on Friday with three Texas County legs of the run. The torch run began in Cabool, with the second leg in Houston, and finished in Licking, with participants running or walking from Licking High School to Hood’s Frosty Treat. The mission of the LETR is to raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics movement.

Staff from South Central Correctional Center (SCCC) carried the torch and raised funds to go to Special Olympics Missouri. They were escorted on the Licking leg of the run by the Licking Police Department. Twenty-nine people ran or walked in all, including a large contingency from SCCC, Chief of Police Pat Burton and Corporal Kenny Santee, accompanied by their wives, Mayor Scott Ogden, Licking firefighter Chris Emerson, and other members of the community, including Ryder Evans and friends.

About Special Olympics Missouri

“Our mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.”