FAIRHOPE, Ala. - Greeno Road, a busy four lane highway just east of downtown Fairhope, will be a little more blue this morning as it is closed to traffic for the Law Enforcement Torch Run. The procession of local law enforcement officers, beginning at Fairhope High School at 8 a.m. and ending at WC Majors Field on Volanta Avenue, will kick off this year’s Baldwin County Special Olympics events.

Robert Bushong, executive director of Special Olympics Alabama, said today’s local events will produce representative for the statewide competition at Troy University May 20-22.

“We have 14,420 athletes across the state,” Bushong said. “Approximately 1,200 will be selected to compete at Troy.”

While the majority of the 350 or so athletes at today’s events in Fairhope will be public school students, Special Olympics is for anyone over the age of eight with an intellectual disability.

“What Special Olympics is trying to do is share some knowledge and experience some joy and allow people with intellectual disabilities to understand things about life through athletics,” Bushong said. “We try to incorporate the athletes in everything we do. We use athletes as coaches, volunteers and officials. As long as they have the desire we would like them to achieve to the limits of their capabilities.”

Following the torch run, a parade of athletes starts at 9:15. After all schools have entered the stadium and lined on the field, the torch will be carried in. The torch will be passed to designated student torch bearers as it makes its way around the track. Later, the National Anthem will be sung.

The awards ceremony takes place throughout the day after the athletes participate in each event, including long jumps, running and wheelchair races.

Participating schools are Bay Minette Elementary, Bay Minette Intermediate, Bay Minette Middle, Bay Minette High, Central Baldwin Middle, Daphne Elementary, Daphne East, Daphne High, Delta, Elberta Elementary, Elberta Middle, Fairhope Elementary, Fairhope Intermediate, Fairhope Middle, Fairhope High, Foley Elementary, Foley Middle, Foley High, Gulf Shores Elementary, Gulf Shores High, J. Larry Newton, Loxley, Magnolia, Perdido, Robertsdale Elementary, Robertsdale High, Spanish Fort Elementary, Spanish Fort Middle, Spanish Fort High and W.J. Carroll.

Lo May, a special education resources consultant at the Baldwin County Board of Education, said volunteers will be welcomed at the event.

“There will be a place at the park where (volunteers) can sign in and help out,” she said. “The more we have the better.”

Bushong said Special Olympics Alabama is almost entirely organized and administered by volunteers and funded by local donors. This year’s sponsors in Fairhope include: Perdido Bay/ Lillian Bay Optimist Clubs, Gulf Pioneers/Kiwanis Club, Cpl. Chuck Sutherland and local law enforcement officers, City of Fairhope, Coca-Cola, Fairhope McDonalds, Baldwin EMC, Wolfe Funeral Home, Azalea City DJ, and Emcee Lori Dubose (WABF).

Coverage from the day’s events will be provided periodically throughout the day on www.baldwincountynow.com.