Concord Ledger

Many who enter law enforcement share some common traits. A desire to help people, to save lives and to make communities safer.

There is one additional commonality for many who serve in public safety…their connection to Special Olympics.

In New Hampshire, the story has been repeated more than once. It typically begins with a member of law enforcement participating in the Law Enforcement Torch Run with their agency. From there, eventually they attend a competition to award medals to our athletes.

That first large-scale experience with SONH athletes is eye-opening. The spirit of competition and camaraderie among the athletes, the joy of earning a medal, the respect athletes have for those in law enforcement.

“Attending my first Summer Games and meeting the athletes. I was hooked after that” says Derry, NH Police Lieutenant Jon Breen. He’s a detective in Derry and ran his first Torch Run in 1998. He has been participating in SONH events ever since. Regarding the athletes of SONH Breen notes “The impact they have on you is incredible.”

 Beyond the Torch Run and Summer Games, Breen has participated in Tip-A-Cop events, Fueling Dreams and basketball tournaments that were held in Derry.

 Breen is proud to have been chosen to represent the Granite State at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games and looks forward to meeting other officers from around the country who are dedicated to the mission of Special Olympics.

For more information or to sponsor an athlete at the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, please contact Carol Cray at CarolC@sonh.org. 

 

Reference

Carol Cray

603-512-4666

CarolC@sonh.org

http://www.sonh.org

Original source can be found here.