POLICE CARRY TORCH FOR DISABLED

After running eight miles as part of the Law Enforcement Torch Relay, Cape Girardeau police Cpl. Kevin Orr was barely winded.

For him, it was no different than any other day. "I try to run eight miles every day," Orr said.

But Orr said Tuesday's run had one special difference. "It's for a good cause," he said, after handing the torch off to a fellow officer, who jogged north with it another four miles along Interstate 55 toward Perryville.

That officer carried it a number of miles before handing off to another policeman. And that is how it went all the way to Perryville, where Perryville police took over.

The torch finally will end up at Fort Leonard Wood, where it will officially kick off the 1997 Special Olympics Summer Games by being used to light the official torch.

Many other area policemen feel the same as Orr.

"Anything for the people less fortunate than I am; I'm willing to jump in and help and do anything I can," said Cape Girardeau officer Ike Hammonds.

"I think it's important to support the Special Olympics," said Cape Girardeau police Cpl. Charlie Herbst. "I really admire their determination and stamina. This is our way of supporting their endeavor."

Law enforcement officials from across the state participated in the 12th annual run, a yearlong campaign to raise funds and awareness for the summer games, which begin Thursday at Fort Leonard Wood.

Statewide, the officers raise money by selling torch run T-Shirts and holding golf tournaments and other special events in an effort to exceed their goal of $353,000, said Penny Blanford, southeast area director of Special Olympics.

"It's the largest fund-raiser Special Olympics does," Blanford said, adding that the local money will pay for local special athletes to attend the summer games. "They wouldn't even be able to go if it wasn't for the torch run," Blanford said.

More than 550 runners from all aspects of law enforcement were registered for the ceremonial run, a project of the Missouri Police Chiefs Association.

Jackson Police Chief Marvin Sides, who coordinated the event, said: "The courage displayed by so many Special Olympics athletes inspires all of us. It seems to be the least we can do."

The state summer games will involve more than 1,600 athletes with mental retardation or closely related developmental disabilities, their coaches, friends and families.