Utah County Sheriff's Deputy Josh Kelshaw passed the Special Olympics torch to Lehi Police Corporal Jeremy Elswood at Lehi City's Veterans Memorial Park Thursday morning as they began their run down Lehi's Main Street toward American Fork, about two miles.

The passing of the torch was one of several made as the officers and volunteers continued a regional run that began in Saratoga Springs, 2.5 miles away, and would travel through Lehi, American Fork, Pleasant Grove, Lindon, Orem and Provo en route to Brigham Young University where the opening ceremonies were held.

Lehi Officer Jim Hunsaker and his wife, DaraLyn, have a 12-year-old son, Dallin, who competed in the Special Olympics Utah regional competition May 15 and won four gold medals in the tennis ball toss, and the 25-, 50- and 100-meter walk events. He then qualified to go on to the state finals at BYU.

"He actually qualified to go to nationals once," Jim Hunsaker said. "I think it's an awesome program. It allows kids who can't participate in everyday sports to get out and participate in the athletic world."

Several the officers at the run said they felt the same way about the program. Several police departments in north Utah County served during the Torch Run -- Lone Peak Public Safety had a motorcycle officer, Orem police had two and Pleasant Grove contributed two as well, to help showcase and guard the runners at the event.

More than 1,200 law enforcement officers and volunteers have run with the Special Olympics torch through the state this month. Some 200 officers ran in Utah County Thursday.

They also support the Special Olympics through fundraisers so the approximately 2,200 physically or intellectually challenged children who qualify as participating athletes can attend the program free.

The Torch Run helps create awareness of the program and the children and is a way of celebrating the opening of the summer and winter Special Olympic seasons.

"I like doing this because it's very worthwhile, it's the most satisfying thing I've done with my career," said Torch Run liaison Gary Saxton. "I could make more money somewhere else. I like this. This is why I do it."

Saratoga Springs officers were participating for their second year in supporting the Special Olympics. They were able to raise $800 through their annual Tip-a-Cop event at Cafe El Lago in Saratoga Springs.

"It went really well," said Saratoga Police Chief Gary Hicken. "More people donated, but because of the economy there were smaller-sized donations."

Lehi officers were fourth in the state in fundraising for the Special Olympics program in 2008, having raised $6,500. Their goal for 2009 is $8,000. Those interested in contributing to the Special Olympics have until Aug. 15 and can donate by calling their local police department.

"Why wouldn't I do it? It's for the kids," said Elswood, who was the driving force behind fundraising for the Lehi department. "It's a good opportunity to be with kids that are special."

More information on Special Olympics Utah can be found online at www.sout.org.