"Through the Torch Run, I have been allowed to experience the joy that Special Olympics brings to so many with and without intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics reminds me that a hug, a smile, or even just a hello make all the difference in the world. It’s where the walls of judgment are broken, and love and acceptance is the unwritten rule, and where I can experience a little heaven on earth."

Yolanda Elliott

Arizona Department of Corrections

"I can only respond by sharing what happened at our last Special Olympics in Graham County. During the men’s run, one participant was in the lead, substantially.  He then tripped and fell, while those who were behind passed him by. The Gold Medal was awarded and the man who won the award went to his friend who fell and put the medal around his neck.  I still get tears in my eyes as I think about it. What did this mean to me (and my husband who was also helping out)? The bond of unconditional love is more precious than the gold of any medal."

Tamara Swerline

Arizona Department of Corrections

"Torch Run has given me the opportunity to see how enthusiastic the athletes become when they see law enforcement; it is pure joy in their faces to know someone of such respect is there solely for them.  It is indescribable, you just have to be there, to experience the interaction between officers and Special Olympics athletes."

Michelle Gatlin

Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office

"I love Special Olympics more than anybody else. I have been doing it for a long, long time—swimming, bowling, basketball, softball, and shotput—I’m a real athlete and I love Special Olympics. I love to compete; that’s what I do best! Seeing the policeman and women at summer games was great. They were all there for us and to see us succeed!"

Clay Hamrick—Athlete

Independence Plus, Inc

"It if wasn’t for (the Torch Run) I couldn’t participate in sports. Going to Ames, Iowa for Special Olympics National Games and running in the Torch Run made me feel independent and interactive with law enforcement runners."

Cheryl Beard-Athlete

Flagstaff Mountaineers

"I was one of the athletes who designed our new cauldron.  I loved working on it with the artist, but I really loved it when I saw all the officers run into ASU for summer games opening ceremonies to light the flame on the cauldron that I designed.  It was nice to see the officers’ faces when they saw the new design.  I liked making them smile!"

Krista Elezian-Athlete

Maricopa Cyclones