CANNONSBURG, Mich. — The slopes of Cannonsburg Ski Area are most well-known for being a hot spot for winter sports. But on a Tuesday night in August, the resort hosted a run, walk and bike ride for a good cause.
"Today we are hosting the Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run. The Law Enforcement Torch Run has been going on since the 1980s. It is made up of corrections deputies and law enforcement officers from all around the state of Michigan. We have about 20,000 athletes here in the state of Michigan, so this run helps support paying for their for their State Games, which is their fall, summer and winter games," said Kent County Sheriff's Deputy Shelby Humphries.
Humphries said the summer games in particular are a favorite of hers.
"It's pure joy. You can't walk around the summer games without seeing a smile on someone's face, without having that contagious smile from an athlete. When you're there, you're putting medals on the athletes, and you can just tell it is literally their heart and soul to see us being there in our uniform and congratulating them, giving them high fives, hugs, anything that you can imagine. It just lights up their whole world," she said.
If you didn't get to attend Tuesday night's event, there are several ways you can help Special Olympics Michigan. You can make a donation on their website or by visiting the Unified Sports & Inclusion Center, which is located at 160 68th Street SW in Grand Rapids.
"Or you can attend one of our other events. One of the next events that's coming up is actually our Law Enforcement Side-by-Side Scramble that will be held in White Cloud in October," Humphries said.