CSUB holds Law Enforcement Torch Run

UPD, student-athletes run to raise money for Kern County Special Olympics

By California State University, Bakersfield

November 18^th, 2022

California State University, Bakersfield helped raise money and awareness today for the Kern County chapter of Special Olympics Southern California.

Student-athletes and members of the University Police Department (UPD) joined several local Special Olympians in a ceremonial lap around campus as part of a Law Enforcement Torch Run while carrying the Flame of Hope. President Lynnette Zelezny also attended and spoke at the event.

The Torch Run kicked off a fundraising campaign to support the Special Olympics that will last through the rest of the year. More than $600 has been raised so far.

“Today’s event was a fantastic showing of how supportive and inclusive the Roadrunner community is of our Special Olympics athletes and programs,” said Veronica Michalik, development manager for Special Olympics Southern California. “Thank you Lt. Mari Gonzalez and Chief [Marty] Williamson for bringing us all together to celebrate our athletes and for carrying their Flame of Hope. Go Runners!”

Money raised through the campaign will help the Special Olympics purchase equipment, uniforms and more as part of its effort to enrich athletes’ lives through sports and education.

Williamson said he is happy to be able to support the organization through the Torch Run.

“Supporting the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Kern County Special Olympics is a tremendous opportunity and allows a small agency like our University Police Department to make a contribution to their efforts,” he said.

The Torch Run and similar events offer UPD the opportunity to have more positive interactions with the campus community, according to Williamson.

“Even though the University Police have the law enforcement role on campus, we cannot do our job at the highest level without our campus community support,” he said. “In my view, today was an example of this campus coming together to support the Kern County Special Olympics.”

Baseball player Davonte Butler was one of the CSUB student-athletes who participated in the Torch Run. He enjoyed getting to meet the Special Olympians who joined them in the ceremonial run.

“It was awesome being out there supporting them and getting to hear their accomplishments,” he said. “The Special Olympics is a great community. Whatever they put their mind to, they can do. You can see the joy they have for sports.”

Williamson is grateful for the support that CSUB students, faculty and staff provided at the Torch Run.

“The turnout from our scholar-athletes was fantastic,” he said. “I want to thank the scholar-athletes for their participation today, those campus members that have donated to support our efforts, and everyone that came out and cheered on the `Runners this morning.”

Click here to donate to the fundraising campaign to support Special Olympics Southern California. For more information about the organization, visit sosc.org.