Several runners conveyed the Special Olympics torch through Downtown Hope before meeting at Rainbow of Challenges Headquarters on South Main.

by Scott Jester

Rainbow of Challenges Public Relations Director

Hope, AR - The mid-May weather was cloudy, warm and muggy but it was all smiles from those downtown while the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics wound its way through the streets of Hope.

The torch is on its way to the state competition, held annually at Harding University in Searcy, which begins Thursday.

The local group that participated was composed of many area law enforcement personnel, joined by local runners and several individuals who represented Rainbow of Challenges.

Andrew Watson, who works for the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission admitted the morning was a humid one, but described his morale while doing the run as good. "t was a good time, and it was for good, cause. We really enjoy doing it every year."

Tyler Hill, another Arkansas Game and Fish employee agreed with Watson about the conditions, saying "The sun came out several times."

For Wesley Featherston the most challenging part of his run was going uphill on Highway 67. "That was pretty steep," he said.

Rachel Featherston, who also ran in the procession said, "It was nice that nobody was running for profit and instead was just running for the flag and the torch."

The runners stopped briefly for water and pictures at ROC. The next leg of the torch's journey would be ridden on bicycles 16 miles up Highway 67 to Prescott where the torch would be handed off on its trek to Searcy.

Before the bikers embarked, one of them, Corporal Dale Young of the Arkansas State Police, said a lot of building of endurance took place among the riders. Sergeant Ryan Shelton, also of the Arkansas State Police, said that by now 16 to 17 miles for him was "not too bad."

We at ROC wish our local Special Olympians a safe trip and much success this weekend!

Additional reporting and the feature photo were provided by Jeff Smithpeters.

• Photo by Scott Jester.

• Photo by Scott Jester

• Runners and bikers stand in front of the sign at Rainbow of Challenges Headquarters on Hope's South Main. Photo by Scott Jester.

• The bikers embark on their ride to Prescott while supporters see them off. Photo by Scott Jester.