March 29, 2024

Dozens of officers participate in Special Olympics run

Newton leg is on route to Ames

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Dawn Hanbeck is excited.

The Iowa Special Olympics Summer Games are set to be held Thursday through Saturday in Ames, and Hanbeck is one of several Jasper County athletes qualified to compete.

“Walking — and walking,” Hanbeck said when asked what events she’ll compete in at state. “Fifty meters and 100 meters.”

Monday, Hanbeck and a handful of other Special Olympians came to the Jasper Courthouse square to greet a group of about 30 area law enforcement personnel from several agencies. Those women and men were running Newton’s leg of the Torch Run — a police fundraiser for Special Olympics Iowa.

The group ran from Casey’s General Store at Iowa Speedway Drive to a spot near Westwood Golf Course, stopping at the courthouse for water and to meet with the area Special Olympics qualifiers. The 30 runners included personnel from the Newton Police Department, Knoxville Police Department, Jasper County Sheriff’s Office and the Iowa Department of Corrections.

With a NPD vehicle ahead of the group and a sheriff’s car in back, there was an escort to get through town.

Last year, none of the local qualifiers were able to attend, so law enforcement completed the Newton leg on its own.

The Newton portion of the Torch Run has often been spearheaded in recent years by Newton Police Lt. Wayne Winchell, who was again part of the effort Monday.

Melissa Butler of Progress Industries was hoping to send as many as 15 athletes to represent PI at Monday’s event, but technicalities in funding and programming prevented that. Approximately 20 athletes from the area will participate in Olympic events Friday in Ames.

Eric Tyson, who sported his Newton Cardinals hoodie Monday, is also qualified for state in the 50- and 100-meter runs. Mindy Fisher is competing in the softball throw and running.

Wayne Salyers, a visually impaired Olympian who came to the courthouse square with the help of Monica Perrin of Progress Industries, is competing in the 25-meter walk and the tennis ball throw.

Contact Jason W. Brooks at 641-792-3121 ext. 6532 or jbrooks@newtondailynews.com