Athletes carry 'torch of hope'

As the runners passed through Public Square at noon, Mayor Richard F. Trump cheered them on from the sidewalk.

"It's a very important cause," Trump said of the Special Olympics. "It elevates the importance of all people and gives these kids great personal value. Everybody needs to feel special."

The torch run will pass through Frederick, Carroll and Howard counties before arriving Friday at Towson (Md.) University for the opening ceremonies of the 2005 Special Olympics of Maryland Summer Games.

In addition to transporting the symbolic flame, the run also serves as a fundraiser and awareness event for Special Olympics Maryland, Ryder said.

Last year, law enforcement officers throughout the state raised about $1 million, according to the Special Olympics Maryland Web site.

Raising the money isn't hard, said Patricia Moore, the sister of a Special Olympics athlete and a fundraising volunteer.

"Usually, either somebody knows somebody who has a family member with a disability or they just think it's a good cause," Moore said.

State Police Trooper Andrew Smith said he joined the run just to support the cause, but was inspired by the athletes he met during the run.

As it turned out, the feeling was mutual.

"When my brother told me they were all cops, I didn't believe it," said Special Olympics athlete Greg Strother, 26, who was participating in the torch run for the first time. But he made a few friends.

"I had fun with the police officers," he said. "They were cool."