COMMUNITY … Both members of the Delta community and Fulton County came out to show their support for the Fulton County Jaguars. Everyone stood together just before the start of the event, with Delta Police Chief Samuel Chappel and Special Olympics Coordinator Celia Wilson holding the torch.
START … Delta Police Chief Samuel Chappel leads the first ever Law Enforcement Torch Run in Delta.
By: Jesse Davis
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jesse@thevillagereporter.com
Residents of Delta lined Main Street Wednesday afternoon to cheer on the Fulton County Jaguars Special Olympics team as they carried the “Flame of Hope” through town.
The torch run kicked off from the Delta Police Department, traveling down Fernwood Street and Monroe Street to Main Street, then down Taylor Street and back up Fernwood Street. An after party was held at the police department.
As the group moved through the village, residents cheered them on. The enthusiasm was amplified by signs created for the athletes, which were displayed in downtown businesses, a gesture that helped turn the event into a truly community-wide celebration.
“Known as Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the ‘Flame of Hope’ into Opening Ceremonies of local competitions,” promotional materials for the run stated.
“They also carry it into Special Olympics State, Provincial, National, Regional, and World Games. There are over 97,000 law enforcement members that carry the ‘Flame of Hope’ annually. The flame symbolizes courage and celebration of diversity uniting communities around the globe.”
According to Police Chief Samuel Chappell, 78 people signed up to participate in the Delta run, and more than 80 showed up. He said he was told by the state coordinator it was more participants than any other run in the state.
They also raised the second most in the state for the Special Olympics, Chappell said, being responsible for $6,375 of $97,449 raised statewide.
“The picnic after was well attended and everyone enjoyed face painting, food trucks, and the DJ,” he said.
Beyond the fundraising, the Torch Run also offered meaningful interaction between law enforcement and the special needs community, helping to strengthen trust and build familiarity.
Celia Wilson, Fulton County’s local coordinator for the Special Olympics, was happy with how everything went, especially being the first year for the torch run.
“Whenever we team up with organizations or first responders in Fulton County, the support is overflowing! Fulton County shows its heart, compassion, and most importantly inclusion for our individuals with disabilities.
Our athletes work hard year-round and seeing prominent members of the community come out to support their efforts mean more to them than you can ever imagine,” she said.
Chappell and Wilson have already expressed a strong interest in continuing the event on an annual basis.
The response from the community and participating departments was seen as a clear sign that the event resonates with local values and priorities.