Dallas County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Ray Dirksen has been selected to carry the torch for the Special Olympics World Games in Berlin, Germany. 

The Special Olympics World Games selects someone in law enforcement to be an athlete’s representative and carry the torch on the opening ceremonies. Mitchell Betsworth, a powerlifter from Sioux City, earned a spot in the world games to represent the United States and Dirksen was selected to be his representative to carry the torch. Dirksen says he will be on one of the eight teams which have 12 other law enforcement personnel from around the world. Dirksen notes they will be running six miles a day in different parts of Germany for four days. He talks about the once in a lifetime opportunity. 

“I’m so honored and I’m so happy to be able to go. If you think about it, if I got the numbers right, you know, out of eight teams, 12 people, that’s 96 runners out of not just the United States, but around the world, to be able to run this torch around the Berlin area to represent Special Olympics and these athletes that are going over there to participate.”

Dirksen says he has always been involved with Special Olympics including running the torch in the Iowa Special Olympics and organizing a fundraiser for the organization by hosting a car show. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio why he’s passionate about the Special Olympics cause. 

“I know sometimes I think people say the athletes need us. However, I believe it’s the opposite way around. I think we need the athletes. Every time I get to be around or work with one of these Special Olympic athletes, it brightens up your day.”

Dirksen says that he will be taking vacation for this event and be leaving on Sunday.