TEHACHAPI, Calif. (KGET) -- It's made of plastic rather than fire, but Tehachapi police officers and kids with and without special needs, carried an Olympic torch down the streets of Tehachapi with the same energy as if they were running it from the Seine in Paris, to the Coliseum in Los Angeles. What it's made of doesn't matter...it's why they're running it. "The point is to raise money for the Special Olympics, to get these young special needs kids out of the house, into some physical activity, out in the community, and to let them know how much they're loved, appreciated and valued by society," said Tehachapi Chief of Police, Richard Standridge. Standridge says the Tehachapi Police Department has hosted this event for years. He loves to challenge the kids every time they do it. They must have heard him loud and clear this year, because they beat him to the finish line. Ming Ave Target closed after fire set in Christmas aisle, BFD searches for suspect Standridge took the loss like a champ though. "They get ahead of me and it's just fun to go interact with them and challenge them," said Standridge. "You get to see that competitive fire in these kids." Kellie Peterson with Special Olympics Southern California, says proceeds from this event help pay for athletes' clothing, transportation, equipment and much more when they compete around the world. "It's about $650 a year for an athlete to participate," said Peterson. "They don't pay for anything. When they're participating, everything is free and it's because of events like this." For Chief Standridge, moments like when he sees the kids waiting for him at the finish line, wide smiles, waiting to let him know how they beat him...maybe stings a little bit, but it's a good sting. "I love it. I'm a parent of a special needs child. We've been fortunate enough to have him surrounded by people that love and care for him," said Standridge. "When you get those competitive fires going it brings them out of their shells, gives us a chance to connect, interact and really get to know them in a different aspect." If you want to support the Special Olympics as well, you can make a donation or learn more at www.sosc.org/kerncounty.