Torch Run Lights the Way Through Hilliard
Police, athletes, and fans celebrate 50 years of Special Olympics Ohio with Hilliard relay and hometown pride
The Hilliard Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Ohio passed through Old Hilliard June 10.
Athletes of Special Olympics Ohio held the torch with Hilliard police officers as Hilliard Bobcat athletes, Hilliard police officers, and supporters carried the torch from Hilliard City Hall to the Joint Safety Services Building while onlookers dotting the route along Norwich Street, Main Street, and Avery Road cheered the group.
For the first time, an Ohio State Highway Patrol motorcade led the Torch Run.
The 2025 Special Olympics Ohio State Summer Games is June 11, 12, and 13 at the Jesse Owens recreation centers and other sites on the campus of The Ohio State University.
About 3,500 athletes of Special Olympics Ohio are to compete June 11-13 including athletes from the Hilliard Bobcats.
Conner Kennedy, 23, a 2021 Hilliard Bradley High School graduate, and Jabari Wilson, 28, a 2015 Hilliard Darby High School graduate, are among the Bobcat athletes.
“It feels great to be equally matched” in the competitions, said Kennedy, comparing his experience to Goku and Vegeta, from the animated series, Dragon Ball.
Various fundraising events throughout the year support Special Olympics Ohio and allow the athletes to travel and compete.
There is no strict residency requirement but most of the Bobcat athletes attended, graduated from, or live in the Hilliard school district.
Athletes must be at least eight years old but there is no aging out.
“We had an 81-year-old volleyball player last year… but the average is about 35,” said Steve Crissinger, vice president of advancement for Special Olympics Ohio.
Special Olympics Ohio is celebrating its golden anniversary this year, having been incorporated July 27, 1975.
WCMH Channel 4 sports broadcaster Jimmy Crum was the founding president of Special Olympics Ohio.
Special Olympics Ohio was founded 50 years ago, but the first games were staged three years earlier.
Hilliard’s participation began about 20 years ago and Hilliard Det. Brandon Long has organized Hilliard’s Torch Run ever since.
He, and other Hilliard police officers and Norwich Township firefighters, also participate in its fund raising efforts, including the Polar Plunge each winter.