Torch Run Event lights way for upcoming Special Olympics
Forrest NIEMEYER quickly waves hello as he passes by M&S Meats in Rollins, leading the way for the Special Olympics of Montana torch. (Ashley Fox/Lake County Leader)
MOMENTS BEFORE the journey of the Special Olympics of Montana torch begins, Forrest Niemeyer, left, and Polson Police Chief Wade Nash stop to take a quick photo. Niemeyer led a procession that included Polson Police, Polson Rural Fire District and Polson Ambulance, all of whom trailed behind as he made his way to Elmo, where he passed the torch. (Ashley Fox/Lake County Leader)
POLSON POLICE lead the way for Forrest Neimyer, who rides his bicycle through scattered rain showers from Rollins to Elmo Monday afternoon for the Special Olympics of Montana. (Ashley Fox/Lake County Leader)
Just as the sky was darkening and rain began to spit from the clouds, Forrest Niemeyer was smiling as he stretched against a gray pickup truck.
Niemeyer, outfitted in layers with a backpack full of water and snacks, was preparing to ride his bicycle from the north end of Rollins to Elmo for the Law Enforcement Torch Run Monday, April 30.
The torch was passed over to the Polson Police Department from the Kalispell Police Department Monday.
Niemeyer, a G.I.S. technician, said he helped make the map for the torch run, which is ahead of the Special Olympics spring area games in Missoula May 2-4.
The map, he said, was used to tell what legs of the torch run were covered and which sections still needed teams.
“It’s kind of our tactical map for the Torch Run,” Niemeyer said.
While he was piecing data together, Niemeyer said he reached out to the Polson Police Department to see how he could get involved because he documented that there was still a need for participants.
Kicking off the relay of the torch, Niemeyer noted he was most nervous about the last hill just before reaching Elmo, where he passed the torch to retired Sgt. Grant Holle, who then passed the torch to Polson Sgt. George Simpson in Jette later in the afternoon Monday.
Prior to the ride, Niemeyer said he was “brushing up” on his bicycle skills in addition to stretching and practicing breathing exercises.
Even with the scattered rain, Niemeyer estimated that he was going to bicycle his 10 mile committment at a pace of seven minutes a mile.
Leading the way in a Polson Police cruiser was Officer Oscar Garcia, who organized the event this year.
Next in line was Neimyer, who was followed by Polson Ambulance and lastly Polson Rural Fire District.
Monies raised by those who helped the torch along go toward Special Olympians’ healthcare costs, such as prosthetics, health screenings and other healthcare needs.