JOHN COFFELTEDITOR

Representatives from Manchester Police Department joined officers from area in the torch run for the Special Olympics held on Thursday, May 16 at Tullahoma High School.

Franklin County Sheriff Department’s Sam Davison said that the tradition of the torch run dates back to 1981.

“Officers have been run the torch into Special Olympic Games just like we see every four years with the Olympic Games,” he said.

“We are known as the Guardians of the Flame,” Davison said. “It’s known as the flame of hope. It’s an honor for law enforcement to be able to run the torch across this county, across the state, across this nation.”

“When you see the smiles on their faces, you’ll see why it’s so important to us,” Davison said.

Over 280 athletes competed Thursday at Tullahoma High School in the Special Olympics, with hundreds of volunteers and well-wishers there in support of the competitors.

Games ranged from track and field events like the long jump and races to the softball throw and bocce ball. Athletes came from all over the region served by the Lower Cumberland Area 13 Special Olympics. The counties include Coffee, Bedford, Franklin, Moore and Lincoln counties. The games were held on Thursday after the first two planned days were scrapped due to rain. However, the moving of the games provided a perfect day for the outdoor event and the lighting of the Olympic flame.

“We are excited to bring together athletes, families, volunteers, and supporters from across our region to celebrate the spirit of sportsmanship and camaraderie,” said Wendy Wilkerson, President of Special Olympics Lower Cumberland Area 13. “This event is a testament to the incredible abilities and determination of our athletes, and we are proud to provide a platform for them to shine.”

Special Olympics Lower Cumberland Area 13 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing year-round sports training and athletic competition for individuals with intellectual disabilities in Coffee, Franklin, Bedford, Moore, and Lincoln Counties. Through the power of sports, the organization aims to empower individuals, promote inclusion, and create communities of acceptance and respect.

Helping make sure the games went smoothly was a small army of volunteers.

“The people of our area are always ready to go above and beyond to help,” said volunteer Susan Carr. “We know we can always depend on them.”

Athletes were awarded medals on the podium following their events. The day started out with a parade of the teams around the track at the football stadium, all proudly sporting their banners as they waved at the fans in the stands.

John has been with the Manchester Times since May 2011. John has won Tennessee Press Association awards for Best News Photo and placed in numerous other categories. John is a 1994 graduate of Tullahoma High School, a graduate of Motlow State Community College and earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Middle Tennessee State University. He lives in Tullahoma, enjoys painting, dancing and exploring the outdoors.