Law enforcement carries torch for Special Olympics
Local Special Olympians, alongside Davidson County law enforcement, will dash to raise money for Special Olympics. The 2021 Law Enforcement Torch Run for will take place on May 19. Law enforcement and athletes will meet at Sheetz, located at 2350 S. Main St, Lexington, NC 27295 at 7:30 p.m.
The group will run through Uptown Lexington and end at the Davidson County Governmental Center located at 913 Greensboro St.
“The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is important because the money raised supports the nearly 40,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities and their families statewide,” Cpl. Jeremy K. Parks of the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office said.
Parks added, “When the athletes compete in winter, spring, summer and fall games across the state it does not cost the families of the athletes any money. The Special Olympics Athlete Oath is ‘Let Me Win, But If I Cannot Win, Let Me Be Brave In The Attempt.’”
One of the brave athletes includes East Davidson High School graduate Stephanie Wilkerson. The 29-year-old began competing in Special Olympics seven years ago. “She’s always liked playing sports but they discouraged her from trying out for school teams,” her mother, Lori, explained.
Stephanie said, “After I graduated, I wanted to get back into sports because I wanted to be a social butterfly and play.” She competes in cheer, gymnastics, softball, equestrian and unified tennis. Equestrian is her favorite. “I like to be around the horses.” Stephanie has won a host of medals through the years including 17 gold, nine silver and two bronze. But who’s counting?
Stephanie holds several statewide positions: Special Olympics Davidson County (SODC) Board Athlete Representative, Special Olympics North Carolina (SONC) Global Messenger, Special Olympics North Carolina (SONC) Athlete Ambassador, North Carolina Law Enforcement Torch Run (NC LETR) Athlete Ambassador. She wants to see as many athletes experience the sense of pride she has through the competition. “It makes me happy. I feel like I accomplished something.”
Robert Wilkerson (father) and Lori Wilkerson (mother) are pictured with Stephanie.
Lori expressed her thanks for Parks and other law enforcement who participate in the Torch Run. “People would be surprised to know how much he [Parks] does for the Special Olympics and our community,” said Lori. “When we have events and people come out and support it means so much to athletes. Knowing that people are watching them compete and cheering them means everything.”
This year’s competition has been canceled, therefore, Wednesday’s run will give athletes the opportunity to participate in a community event.
Organizers are encouraging people to carpool to Sheetz. All runners are expected to wear 2021 Torch Run shirts for the event. Shirts are $20. Registration and t-shirt purchases should be directed to Jeremy.parks@davidsoncountync.gov. The group will have glow sticks for everyone to wear in the support of the run. T-shirts can be purchased by non-runners as part of the fundraiser.
Lori concluded, “When the athletes look out and see familiar faces smiling and clapping, they are giving them something money can’t buy.
