by Hanna Singh
The Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office and other participating law enforcement agencies kicked off the Spring 2026 Special Olympics with the annual Torch Run across Lincoln Parish.
Officers from various departments ran from Dubach Town Hall to the finish line at Jim Mize Stadium to begin the opening ceremony.
Carrying the “Flame of Hope” officers ran to raise awareness and donations for Special Olympics athletes on the morning of the event. Lincoln Parish Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Iris Winston explained why the officers run for the cause each year.
“Participating in the Torch Run is a great way for us to help raise awareness and funds for those individuals with intellectual disabilities,” Winston said. “It also helps bring together our local law enforcement agencies and gives us an opportunity to work together to accomplish a common goal.”
Each year, the Special Olympics offers an opportunity to students around with parish with intellectual disabilities to participate in games, challenges and sporting events with assistance from local volunteers. The event allows these students to practice skills and enjoy hands-on experiences with other children their age. Event Coordinator, Lacey Deal, highlighted the importance of providing these kinds of opportunities to special needs students.
“The Special Olympics is so many things for this community. I teach my students that you can tell a lot about a community by how they show love to their most special residents,” Deal said. “Our special needs students may not be the athletes scoring a touchdown on Friday nights or traveling to youth sporting events on the weekend, but they bring a light to our community that no other group can.
“The Special Olympics is the event that is all for them. Their time to shine. Our community does such an amazing job of stepping up for these special athletes. It’s not an easy day to organize, but I would do it over and over again to see the smiles on their faces.”
The event was truly a team effort to put on. The event was supported by several organizations and local businesses, and assisted by volunteers from Louisiana Tech, Lincoln Parish schools, and many other community groups. Buddy Ball volunteer Rebakah Long, shared her reason for supporting and showing up for the Special Olympics.
“When I taught special education at Glen view, bringing our students to the Special Olympics was a highlight of every year,” Long said. “Since I stopped teaching to stay home with my kids, I missed being a part of that community. I began volunteering with Buddy Ball several years ago and heard the Special Olympics could use more volunteers. Now I never miss it. It’s an opportunity to come together as a community who cares for the lives and rights of our disabled family, friends and neighbors, and to celebrate their victories. Their joy is our joy.”
Students played the day away with throwing and running challenges, games and hands-on activities. They enjoyed a free lunch and a morning of getting outside, getting active and having fun. With the support of the local community, businesses and law enforcement, the Special Olympics can continue to provide a day of fun and athletics for students who may not always get to be a part of the team.
