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Fired-up runners support athletes
Torch Run held for special sports
Friday, June 5, 2009
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 Click here to enlarge this photo Staff photos by EMILY BARNES
The Law Enforcement Torch Run kicks off Thursday in front of Texas Roadhouse in La Plata with Charles County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Gus Proctor holding the torch.
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Special Olympics athlete Christine Hoehl has compiled quite a list of sporting accomplishments: she took away a bronze medal in bocce at an international competition and is comfortable on the golf course and in the bowling alley.
On Thursday morning, she walked the Charles County roads alongside some of the people who have helped make her achievements possible.
About 500 people wound through La Plata in the annual Torch Run, an event that leads up to the opening ceremony at the summer games for Special Olympics Maryland and raises money for the organization.
"We couldn't have a program without support," said Hoehl's father, George Hoehl. "It's very rewarding to have everyone participate."
Wearing a jacket from the 2007 Special Olympics in Shanghai, China, where she won the bronze in the ancient lawn bowling sport, Christine Hoehl said she enjoys competitions.
"It's fun," she said.
Through donations and sales of Torch Run hats and T-shirts, the Charles County Sheriff's Office was able to raise nearly $20,000 this year for the Special Olympics.
"Even though these are tough economic times, people are still donating. It's unbelievable," said Sgt. Gus Proctor, who headed up the fundraising campaign for the sheriff's office and organized the Torch Run.
"It's inspiring to see all the police participation for the Torch Run and to see our kids out here reaping the benefits," said LaVerne Deniston, mother of Special Olympics athlete Michelle Deniston.
In the past two years, the sheriff's office has been the top fundraising agency in the state for the Special Olympics, and the Charles County leg of the Torch Run is always impressive, according to Betsy Jiron, director of special events for the Maryland athletic program.
"It's certainly the largest of any individual leg," she said. "Sgt. Proctor understands the organization and has a passion for the athletes."
About 182 U.S. Marines from the Chemical and Biological Incident Response Force based at the Naval Support Facility in Indian Head also participated in the run, according to Gunnery Sgt. Roderuck Shriver.
"It's an easy day," said Shriver, smiling, of the four-mile run. "It's what we do: Support and defend, no matter what."
According to Jiron, the torch's journey began on Monday and will end up in Towson on Friday for the opening of the summer games.
The Charles County leg began and ended at the Texas Roadhouse, which donated a free lunch of ribs, chicken, baked beans and bread for the participants. The servers and managers all volunteered to serve the meal, said Steve Urso, the restaurant's manager.
