Special Olympics Torch Run Travels Through Middlefield

Fifteen to 20 Middletown law enforcement and Special Olympics athlete runners passed through the city in high spirits during the statewide torch run Thursday afternoon.

Two and a half miles into a nearly 8-mile run, Special Olympics Town Captain and Middletown Police Sgt. Brian Hubbs said he felt great. "I'm a trail runner," he said, so he's used to running three to four miles three times a week, but there's a big difference between asphalt and forest paths. "It's more abuse on the body," Hubbs said of road running.

"It's my responsibility to get the four [Special Olympics] athletes joining us on the 25th anniversary into the van, to take rests and stay hydrated," Hubbs explained.

Just minutes earlier, the torch had traveled by way of police motorcade through Middlefield and Rockfall along Route 66.

The rest stop pep rally in Middletown was hosted by Chef’s Palate Restaurant and MiddleOak Insurance on Broad Street. Tim Yingling, chef/owner of Chef's Palate donated the food, preparation work and wait staff, Coca Cola donated beverages for the athletes and MiddleOak provided the Fiesta del Norte Latin band.

Of Yingling, Hubbs said, "Especially with the economy the way it its, to be such a loyal supporter [of Special Olympics] is incredible."

Special Olympian Scott Hunt, 33, of Middletown carried the torch down Broad Street at the head of the running procession in a bright green T-shirt. He was positively beaming after carrying the flame. "I did it," he repeated again and again.

"I've got to hand it to you today," said Middletown Mayor Sebastian Giuliano at the pep rally at the MiddleOak patio. "The hottest day of the year and it didn't slow you down ... we're so proud the torch run comes right through the midle of Middletown every year and local police and firefighters support it."

State Rep. Christy Carpino, R-32, Cromwell, Middletown, Portland, participated in this, her third year at the torch run. "Last year, there was a thunderstorm and tornado warnings," she said. She's been volunteering with Special Olympics Connecticut for a decade.

She will be at the rally at the State Capitol Building in Hartford today at 5 p.m. It is dedicated to TFC Kenneth Hall, a 22-year veteran of the Connecticut State Police who was killed in the line of duty in September 2010.

As the runners packed up to proceeds with the torch run down Broad to Main Street and on eventually to Hartford, Special Olympian Bobby McElroy, 21, of Middletown, who participates in the 100, 200 and 4 x 100 relays, carried the flame.

Thursday marked day two of the three-day run, as the “Flame of Hope” passed through 100 Connecticut towns en route to its ultimate destination at Southern Connecticut State University where the 42nd Annual Special Olympics Summer Games will kick off with an opening ceremony at 7 p.m. on Friday. The Games include track and field, cycling, gymnastics, soccer, tennis, and other sports.