Special Olympics Torch Run leaves for Great Falls Tuesday

In support of Special Olympics athletes, local law enforcement agents will make the more-than 100-mile trek to Great Falls by foot or bicycle Tuesday. "It's just a great cause," said David Bischoff, a supervisory Border Partrol agent who is a leg leader for the run. "It's a chance for us to give a little bit back to the community." At least 10 Border Patrol agents will be involved in the Law Enforcement Torch Run, along with members of other area law enforcement agencies. The runners take their time at first after leaving from Tire-Rama at 8 a.m. Doing so allows athletes to run with them. "Because this is, after all, for them. It's their program, and it's their games, and so it gives them a chance to kind of interact with us a little bit," Bischoff said. Some participants only do one leg of the daylong trip to Great Falls, while others do multiple legs, he said. Eventually, the torch will make it's way to Bozeman, where the state games are scheduled to be held May 12 to 14. Last year was the first year that he was as involved as he is now, he said, and seeing all the athletes in Bozeman at the state games was the most memorable part. "The whole atmosphere is really inspiring. It's people who achieve every day," he said. "I just think come out and support a good cause and just be involved," he said about why people should come to cheer on the runners Tuesday morning.