Guilford Hosts Special Olympics Torch Run In June

GUILFORD, CT – Through Tip-A-Cop, Guilford Police Department raised over $10,000 to benefit Special Olympics Connecticut.

“Collectively, it wasn’t our best year, but it was still a good one,” Tim Bernier said, Guilford Police Department Field Services Lieutenant.

The Tip-A-Cop event was held on Tuesday, May 9.

“For the last 20 years, we have volunteered with the Special Olympics Connecticut in some way, shape or form,” Bernier said. “We do a ton of different fundraising to benefit the Special Olympics Connecticut.”

Bernier said a significant portion of the funds raised goes towards athletics, but some also go towards funding things the athletes can’t get, such as health care because some can’t work.

“This is our No. 1 fundraising event of the year,” he said.

Bernier said Special Olympics Connecticut is one of the charities Guilford residents don’t have a problem getting behind because it is for all the right reasons.

“All you have to do is spend five minutes with the athlete, and you will know it is the right place to put your energy,” he said. “They are the most appreciative group of human beings you will ever meet worldwide.”

Guilford’s participation in the Special Olympics isn’t over just yet, as the Special Olympics Torch Run will be going through town.

“The Special Olympics Torch will be coming through Guilford on June 2,” Bernier said. “We will be at the Madison/Guilford line right at the East River around 9:23 a.m., and we will reach the Branford line at Bill Millers Castle around 10:27 a.m.”

“We will be going right up Route 1 and through town,” Bernier added.