A special time of the year sees state law enforcement officials once again raising awareness and funds for Special Olympics.

Each year, officers from all agencies on the Olympic Peninsula participate in running the Special Olympics Torch from the Elwha area to Hood Canal in support of the Special Olympics of Washington Games held in June.

This year’s run on May 30 saw deputies, officers, troopers and more will carry the torch and pass it off to Kitsap County that evening, in time to take the torch to Pierce County, where the final leg was started to Joint Base Lewis McChord on Friday, June 1. That’s where the games began the following day.

Clallam County Undersheriff Ron Cameron, who organized the run, said the event was memorable.

“We’ve been doing this event for the past 10 years and the stars aligned for us today,” Cameron said. “This year, we had the canoe available and it is always special when a canoe family can help us out. The weather was perfect for running and rowing, and everyone enjoyed participating in this special event.”

Law enforcement raises funds for Special Olympics through the sale of T-shirts. Cameron said he hopes to organize another fundraising event in the fall.

As a fundraiser for the program, T-shirts that commemorate this year’s run are available for sale in all sizes for $20. Contact Cameron at 360-417-2570 or rcameron@co.clallam.wa.us to purchase a shirt.

All funds go to support the program and the money is dedicated to local Special Olympics teams the Orcas (Clallam County) and the Warriors (Jefferson County).

The Northwest is home to the national Special Olympic games this year as well: The 2018 Special Olympics USA Games will be held in Seattle, July 1-6.