Police officer Mike Kowalski is well known on the streets of Whitefish Bay, but lesser known are his 15 years of volunteering for Special Olympics of Wisconsin.
Every year, law enforcement officials from across the state partner with the Special Olympics for the Law Enforcement Torch Run, which will kick off this year on June 6.
As part of the Torch Run, Kowalski and about a dozen others participate in a two-day, 80-mile bicycle ride from Menomonee Falls Police Station up to UW-Stevens Point, where the summer games begin.
Although not all of the bicyclists are physically fit, the group is kept motivated by thinking of the nearly 1,700 athletes who overcome obstacles to compete at the summer games. Once they reach Stevens Point, the emotional opening ceremony reminds them of the importance of their cause.
"Seeing the faces of the Olympians and the faces of their parents will choke you up," Kowalski said.
In advance of the ride, Kowalski is selling T-shirts for $15 to raise money for Special Olympics of Wisconsin. Click here to order a t-shirt. Bicyclists are also welcome to ride along and raise funds for the organization.
Over the last 15 years, Kowalski said he's been inspired to watch the Special Olympics organization in action. Based out of a humble office in Mequon, Kowalski said the organization makes good use of all donations.
"Whatever they collect goes to help the kids," he said.
Since 1986, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Wisconsin has raised more than $17 million with more than 900 law enforcement officers participating annually.
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