Rick Hayes, the BDC manager at Dave Sinclair Buick GMC is an Olympic torch runner for the Special Olympics. So for the month of August we interviewed Rick to highlight his experience with torches and the Special Olympics.
Question #1: How did you get involved in the Special Olympics?
In 1995, my supervisor and now great friend asked me to “go on a run with him”. At the time, I had no idea the run would be for the Special Olympics; when I stood among all the other runners and Special Olympic athletes I was hooked.
Question #2: How long have you been involved in the Special Olympics?
I have been involved in some way or another for 21 years.
Question #3: How did you get selected to carry the torch?
Each state and each country involved in The “Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics” gets to submit one person to represent them for the Torch Run that raises awareness in the country and area where the games are going to be held. The final day of the run is into the stadium where the Torch is lit signifying the opening of the games, just like the regular Olympic Games. I was selected for my year round commitment to Missouri Special Olympics.
Question #4: How long did you have to run for?
My team and I ran 60 miles in 8 days in Washington State, Idaho and Canada.
Question #5: Did you train for it?
I trained for about 9 months to be able to run a certain mile pace over a certain distance per day.
Question #6: Did you get to keep the torch?
We had one torch assigned to our team and we had a Special Olympic Athlete from Australia with our group and we gave the torch to her to represent all of us. I have lots of pictures and it was very emotional.
Question #7: What was your favorite part about the ceremony?
My greatest memory was seeing all 50 states in the US represented, all provinces of Canada represented and 39 other countries from around the world who were able to send athletes to participate in the games. I escorted the athletes from the country of Tunisia into the stadium who had never seen snow before. I will never forget their smiles.
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