A Springfield law enforcement officer has been chosen to carry a torch as part of the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi.
Officer Mark Priebe will travel to the Persian Gulf to participate in the Final Leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run. He is one of 88 law enforcement officers around the world chosen to take part.
“Well, being chosen, it’s actually an honor. I get to represent the entire Missouri Law Enforcement Torch Run,” Officer Priebe said.
The Torch Run began as 30-mile run in 1986, but has now grown to become an 11-day relay spanning over 950 miles. It is one of multiple events officers host that raise money and awareness for Special Olympics.
In addition to the Torch Run, Priebe will also be participating in a Solar Polar plunge – taking a dip into a cold pool in the middle of the desert – for Special Olympics.
He begins the run on March 3rd and the games start on the 14th.