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Lt. Hank Guess of the Hickory Police Dept. is representing
NC in the Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg bringing the Flame of Hope
from Soldier's Field in Chicago to Ames, Iowa for National Games Opening
Ceremonies. In his own words he describes his experience.
It's hard to describe in words how exciting and memorable being part
of this Final Leg is! It's been a phenomenal time! There are nine teams,
each with five or six officers and a Special Olympics athlete, running
with the Flame of Hope through Iowa. We will hit 89 different cities in
Iowa. At each stop there is a welcome reception and entertainment from
the community, an officer and the athlete speak and we exchange gifts
with the city dignitaries. We started out at Soldier's Field and that
was the best knowing that Special Olympics began there! Each of the cities
has their own style. We've been greeted by choirs, marching bands, cheerleaders,
Elvis impersonators -you name it! The people in the towns have been very
receptive to us. They've lined the streets cheering and clapping as we
run in. It makes you feel like a celebrity! There sure is a lot of corn
in Iowa! It's flat and I'm used to the mountains of NC. I don't think
there is a hill in this state! We've had rain some days and temperatures
between 85-90 degrees. We run about 12-15 miles a day but travel about
550 miles each day. Our days begin very early around 5 a.m. and usually
last until after 11 p.m. But it's worth it! The athlete with my team is
Greg Bacan from New Hampshire. He is so pumped up, it's fun to watch!
This has been a great time- a once in a lifetime experience that I will
never forget! Now I can't wait to experience the actual National Games!
Watch for a new Spotlight On... journal entry each day during
National Games!
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