Bashful Dan

My big fat Greek torch story …

78 days ago a torch was lit in Athens, Greece; as international law enforcement officers and athletes gathered for a very special ceremony.  Today the Flame of Hope Torch was carried through the streets of Sandpoint, Idaho by 75 law enforcement officers in a run that started in Athens, continued across five continents, and 35 nations and will end its global journey at the opening ceremonies of the International Special Olympics Winter Games 2009 in Boise, Idaho on February 7th.

The Global Law Enforcement Torch Run is an incredible undertaking and it a boon to Idaho that the International Special Olympic Winter Games will be held in Boise beginning February 7th, 2009.   Today’s run through the streets of Sandpoint culminated at City Hall amidst speakers, balloons, local athletes, and lots of applause.   Once again our little version of Mayberry experiences another global connection at the grassroots level.  

I have been the MC and deejay nearly all of our Regional and State Games when Sandpoint has hosted over the past 15 years.   When I was a teenager at Sandpoint High School it was our T.O.R.C.H. club that worked with Senator Jim Stoicheff and Rep Merle Parsley to take the first contingent of athletes ever, from Sandpoint, to the Idaho Summer Games.  Those relationships forged as a teen are still a huge part of my life now.   Eddie Williams has over 30 medals and I not only see him every day but I’ve known him since he was 8 years old when his teachers were Evelyn Shultze and Harriet Carter.

Today I was able to play the “The Olympic Spirit” and “Summon the Heroes” as the torch passed by and in the bonus round was able to give and get hugs from several of our local athletes that represent all of so well.   It really is about a world of dignity and hope.  Right?

  

Tags: , Boise, enforcement, flame, flame of hope, games, hope, law, law enforcement, olympics, special, special olympics, winter, winter games