A captain from the University of Kentucky’s Police Department is set to carry the torch for the Special Olympics, representing Kentucky in Turin, Italy, as part of the movement to end discrimination against intellectual disabilities, according to the Special Olympics website.
From Feb. 25 to March 8, Chuck Adams, the support service captain at UKPD, will run across Athens, Rome and Italy carrying the “Flame of Hope” with other athletes and law enforcement officers.
During the Special Olympics, over 100,000 law enforcement members, including Adams will carry the “Flame of Hope,” said to symbolize courage and celebration of diversity uniting communities around the world, according to the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics website.
The officers are seen as the “Guardians of the Flame,” symbolizing its protection of the torch throughout the run, according to the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics website.
“I wasn’t expecting it and I’ve just been honored,” Adams said. “It’s just been unreal, the opportunity to represent the state and UK, I just never expected it.”
Mark Buerger, director of communications and external relations for Special Olympics Kentucky, said the selection process for this honor commemorates officers who show significant efforts in the community through Special Olympics Kentucky.
“He’s been a tremendous supporter of both our programs and fundraising events both at UK and before that in his time with the Frankfort Police Department,” Buerger said. “We’re excited for him to have this opportunity and are thrilled that he’s able to go.”
Adams said he will begin the run in Athens, where the torch will be lit, and continue to Rome where it will receive a papal blessing from the pope given to honor important events.
The flame departure will begin on Feb. 25 with the Torch Run taking place from March 1 to 7.
Adams said he looks forward to meeting law enforcement and athletes from around the world.
After joining UKPD, Adams said he began working and participating in the local Law Enforcement Torch Run, Special Olympics Kentucky and UK Campus Polar Plunge.
Adams said he has been fundraising with the Law Enforcement Torch Run by participating in events such as the Polar Plunge on UK’s campus and online raising $12,000, according to the Givesmart Fundraise website.
“It’s just an opportunity to shine a light on the Special Olympics and all the work they do,” Adams said. “I’ve been honored and I hope to represent Kentucky and Special Olympics of Kentucky the best I can.”
Through Adams’ work with the Special Olympics, he has been able to meet several athletes throughout Kentucky and now globally, Adams said.
“There is an athlete (DesaRae Nickell) from Kentucky, so hopefully I’ll get to meet her and see her and all the other athletes from all over,” Adams said.
Adams said he loves working with the athletes and seeing their efforts in their competitive fields.
“These athletes, they do so much and they’re such a positive force. If you’re around them enough, you see how excited they are to do their sports and play on teams,” Adams said.
Adams said he wanted others to know how impactful events like these are for the community.
“It shows, especially through the volunteers and the athletes, that there is a lot of good out there,” Adams said. “There’s a lot of people who do want to do good things and be involved, and this is just a great opportunity to do that.”
