A Richardson police officer is helping shine a spotlight on inclusion and perseverance as the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games continues in Minnesota. Sergeant Kelly Pagel with the Richardson Police Department recently joined law enforcement officers from across the country for the Special Olympic s Law Enforcement Torch Run, an effort that raises both awareness and funding for Special Olympics programs. Pagel helped carry the “Flame of Hope” from North Texas to Minneapolis as part of the Final Leg Team, a group selected to escort the torch into the opening ceremonies of the national games. According to the Richardson PD, Pagel’s journey included multiple legs of the run and unique moments along the way, like paddling the torch down the Mississippi River with fellow officers before arriving in Minneapolis. The Law Enforcement Torch Run is considered the largest public awareness campaign for Special Olympics, with officers nationwide participating each year to support athletes and promote inclusion. Sgt. Kelly’s effort have helped raise awareness on behalf of Special Olympics Texas. The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games are taking place June 20 through June 26 in Minnesota, bringing together thousands of athletes, coaches, and volunteers from all 50 states. Competitors are taking part in multiple sports while celebrating achievement, determination, and community. The opening ceremonies, held at Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, marked the official start of a week focused on competition, unity, and the spirit of inclusion—carried in, symbolically, by runners like Sgt. Pagel. This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser. ...read more read less