By Stephen Floyd
Stayton Police Chief Gwen Johns recently helped escort the Flame of Hope to the opening ceremony of the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in Berlin.
The flame was lit in Athens, Greece June 7 and carried by volunteers with Law Enforcement Torch Run, an international group of police and Special Olympians who advocate for the athletes and help fundraise.
Johns has volunteered with the torch run for almost three decades and this year was given the honor of leading a team on the final leg of the journey. June 12 to 17 they traveled on foot down roads lined with spectators, and stopped in 16 German communities to hold local ceremonies.
Johns told Our Town the schedule was grueling at times, putting in a dozen miles per day over several hours. She said they also got to meet Special Olympians as they arrived for the competition.
“We got to see athletes from all over the world,” said Johns.
She added she hopes her experience in Germany can help spread the word about Special Olympics and opportunities to support the program. As of press time, donors had contributed $2,675 to Johns’ volunteer page at bit.ly/spdjohns. Final leg runners raised a total of $200,000.
The City of Stayton said it was excited for Johns’ unique opportunity and in a Facebook post said they wished her the best of luck.
The Special Olympics World Games concluded June 25 and saw 6,500 athletes compete before 330,000 spectators.
