SOKY Torch Run Volunteer Carries Flame of Hope in Abu Dhabi

On February 28th the long journey had begun. The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) representative for the state of Kentucky, Detective Brad Woolridge was on his way to Abu Dhabi. The goal of LETR is to raise funds and awareness of Special Olympics. This journey had been almost two years on the making. The trip over would be long and the days in country even longer, Brad told us that some days started as early as 6 am on the bus and wouldn’t return to the hotel till as late as 11:30 at night, but it was still a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Detective Woolridge has been a long time supporter of SOKY including friends and family any time he can. The trip would last almost 18 days with the LETR program traveling all 7 emirates, running the Flame of Hope over 122 miles while being carried by over 110 law enforcement officers from 24 countries.

Detective Woolridge told SOKY “I remember feeling nervous and excited when I was selected to travel and be part of this experience.” The Final Leg was split into 10 running teams, Detective Woolridge’s team was made up of 9 law enforcement officers from 4 countries (USA, Australia, Hong Kong, and Czech Republic) and 1 athlete from Wyoming, USA, Brad said “these teammates, and the members of the other nine teams will be life long friends.”

Detective Woolridge was one of 44 LETR members chosen to speak in front of local dignitaries about his experiences with SOKY and LETR. As busy as the time went Brad did get to spend some time with the SOKY athletes and coach that were in country, and spent 2 days presenting medals to winners of various sports events. You can see more of the photos of Brad’s experience on the Kentucky LETR Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Kentuckytorchrun/ and also at https://letrphotos.smugmug.com/2019-Final-Abu-Dhabi