Special Olympics events begin today

Special Olympian Carrie Davis, 33, of Las Vegas had a little help from her friends Friday to carry the torch from Fairview Drive to William Street.

Nevada Highway Patrol troopers Ron Larson and Tom Urso joined Sgt. Blair Harkleroad and Capt. Dennis Osborne for the 1.5 mile jaunt down Carson Street. Though Davis only made it 100 meters, that's OK. She'll compete this weekend in the 100 meter run, 400 meter walk and shot put events at the 2010 Special Olympics Summer Games in Reno.

According to Trooper Chuck Allen, the Torch Run provides local law enforcement officers with an opportunity to volunteer with Special Olympics in the communities where the officers live and work.

Today, all 50 states and over 40 countries have their own versions of the Torch Run. This past December, the Nevada Sheriffs' and Chiefs' Association endorsed Special Olympics Nevada as their charity of choice.

Additionally, there are a number of fundraisers that take place throughout the year such as "Tip-a-Cop" and "Cops & Burgers" which raise money and awareness for the athletes.

Some 26 Carson City athletes will join 300 others to participate.

The aquatics competition runs Saturday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lombardi Recreation Center at the University of Nevada, Reno and track and field competitions run Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Reno High track stadium.

Closing ceremonies and a dance will be from 7-9 p.m. Saturday night at John Ascuaga's Nugget in Reno.

Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and competition for nearly 4,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities.