Members of the California Highway Patrol, California State Parks
Department and local athletes gathered in Hollister Thursday
morning to help the Special Olympics’ torch continue on its
journey.
Members of the California Highway Patrol, California State Parks Department and local athletes gathered in Hollister Thursday morning to help the Special Olympics’ torch continue on its journey.
The group of runners, escorted by CHP cars, jogged with the torch from Target on Highway 25, west on Nash Road, north on San Benito Street, and west on Fourth Street to Hollister Supermarket. The torch came from King City, to Salinas and from there, two separate torches, one in San Benito County and one in Santa Cruz County, will travel up to San Jose. The torch will come to the end of its trip at the opening ceremonies in Stockton June 24.
More than 17 San Benito County athletes are expected to join the 1,000 others at the summer games. Robert Larrabee, 22, who helped carry the torch will also be running at the games next week. He also plans on entering the swimming competition and said his favorite style is the breast stroke.
CHP Public Information Officer Terry Mayes said the CHP has always been a part of the Special Olympics, and said the community of Hollister has always been very supportive when it comes to fundraising.
“We’ve always been a part of this event to help heighten public awareness,” she said. “This community is great to work with.”
Dan Dungy, district superintendent of parks, also came out in the chilly morning air and ran with the torch.
“It’s great being able to help Special Olympic athletes,” he said. “They’re part of our community and this is a chance for us to give back.”
The athletes will compete in swimming, track and field competitions, bocce ball, tennis and volleyball. An opening ceremony showcasing the parade of athletes and Olympic-style torch lighting will kick off the weekend’s festivities on Thursday, June 24. The fun continues with a full day of competition on Saturday, June 26, and an outdoor barbecue, dinner and dance Saturday night. Competition resumes on Sunday, June 27 and a traditional closing ceremony and slide show signal the end to the weekend. All ceremonies and athletic competitions will take place in the Stockton area.
For more information, log onto www.sonc.org.
