A Kilkenny sergeant has the honour of running with the Special Olympic torch across the state of Idaho in the United States next month.
Sergeant Gary Gordon is taking part in this very special event following his participation in the organisation of the Law Enforcement Torch Run in Kilkenny last year.
The torch is traditionally carried by police officers and it is finally lit in Mount Olympus in Athens when it is carried into the opening ceremony by those taking part in the run.
Sergeant Gordon is accompanying five Irish athletes who are taking part in the winter Special Olympics in Idaho this year in the downhill skiing competition.
“The games are taking place this year in Boise in Idaho between Sunday February 7 - 21. I will be representing the Gardai in Ireland and I am travelling with PSNI police officer, James Neeson from Northern Ireland,” said Gary.
“We will be required to run up to four, four-mile runs every day so it is quite challenging. I had to get fit in order to take part in this so I have been in training since October. It’s no cake-walk I can tell you,” he joked.
Eight teams of 12 police officers make up the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
Gary was nominated to take part by the deputy commissioner, Nacie Rice following his involvement in the Special Olympics in 2003.
“I was very involved in organising the run in Kilkenny and the reception afterwards at Kilkenny Castle. It is a great honour to be taking part in the run this year and I am really looking forward to it.”
The two officers set off from Dublin for Idaho on Tuesday last.
