St. Bernard sheriff’s deputies, state Wildlife Dept. agents and associates of the Arc center for adults with intellectual disabilities took part in Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics La.

Sheriff’s deputies, intellectually challenged adult associates from Arc and others begin the Torch Run for Special Olympics, leaving the Arc center grounds.

Arc associates used three-wheel bicycles, walked and also ran in the Torch Run.

Participants approach the end of the Torch Run, back to the Arc center in Chalmette.

Jean Lafitte Parkway in Chalmette came alive with spirit on Friday, May 24, during the St. Bernard leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Louisiana.

About 35 deputies from the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office, agents from the state Wildlife and Fisheries Department and several parish residents participated in the run which started and ended at the Arc’s center at 3700 Jean Lafitte Parkway in Chalmette.

Also walking, running and riding three-wheel bicycles were associates of Arc, a day center for adults with intellectual disabilities. The building is in the rebuilt rectory of the old Prince of Peace Catholic Church and the grounds where the church stood is now a large garden where vegetables are grown for sale.

The Arc, which has several counselors, provides a support system for about 30 intellectually disabled adults from St. Bernard Parish and areas of Plaquemines Parish and eastern New Orleans. Other adults work the garden operation. Kristi Andre is coordinator of the Arc center.

Sheriff’s deputies provided motorcycle and patrol car escorts for the run and Sheriff James Pohlmann visited the Arc before the Torch Run to congratulate participants.

The aim of the run is to bring awareness to Special Olympics Louisiana and the State Summer Games held each May in Hammond. The event in St. Bernard has raised in excess of $500 for Special Olympics each of the past several years

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics was celebrating its 30th year. More than 2,000 law enforcement officers take part statewide.