Special Olympics Iowa’s largest event of the year is taking place this weekend in Ames.
More than 2,600 athletes, 1,200 coaches and 2,000 volunteers gather on the Iowa State University campus for the three-day event each year.
The event began with the Torch Run Final Leg before the opening ceremony and the Dallas County Sheriff’s office participated in this year’s run.
“Police officers run the Olympic torch from Des Moines all the way to Iowa State University. The Sheriff’s office is responsible for a five mile leg in there, so around half a dozen of us from the Sheriff’s office run the torch to the (Hilton) Coleseum. Pretty amazing event, these athletes are amazing.”
The Special Olympics are a cause near and dear to Sheriff Chad Leonard’s heart. He will host the 8th annual All Wheel Show June 4th in Adel, with all proceeds going to support area Special Olympic athletes.