Special Olympics athletes, law enforcement team up for Torch Run Guardian Games

GLENDALE, Ariz. — It’s a big Friday morning for Special Olympics athletes and law enforcement in the West Valley.

They’re getting ready to team up in Glendale, for the 7th annual “Torch Run Guardian Games.”

Meghan Mullin with Special Olympics Arizona said the athletes can’t wait to get started. 

“This is a fan favorite for several athletes,” Mullin said. “One in particular, it’ll be two weeks after the event, and he calls me saying, ‘What’s the date for next year? I don’t know, but sign me up!’ We know the athletes love to compete. They love law enforcement. They love meeting new community partners.”

Sanderson Ford and Special Olympics Arizona are teaming up for the event.

Registration starts at 8 a.m. Friday in the Westgate Entertainment District. The opening ceremony begins at 9 a.m.

12News is told that 64 teams are competing. Each squad will have one Special Olympics athlete, one officer and two sponsors. 

The challenges are no joke, from NASCAR remote control racing to a relay where officers and athletes wear SWAT gear and drag a 180-pound dummy. One competition involves pushing a law enforcement SUV.

Mullin said for the first time in years, each game will have official scoring. First, second and third place will be rewarded.

Beyond the competition, Mullin said she looks forward to seeing the interactions at this event.

“They’re hanging out,” Mullin said. “They’re laughing together. By the time they get their medals, they’re hugging. They’re eating lunch together. I think just overall to watch the transition of the teams come together is a huge highlight.” 

The event runs from 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. The event organizers said they’ll make sure to have all the fun they can before it gets too hot outside. 

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