Law Enforcement Torch Run returns to support Special Olympics RI

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It’s known as perhaps this state’s largest and most meaningful motorcycle run.

It helps provides support for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and is an important prelude to the Special Olympics Rhode Island Summer Games.

Next weekend, June 3-5, those games will bring together adults and children to share their courage, skills, and friendship with their families and members of the community at the University of Rhode Island.

While the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run will kick off Special Olympics weekend on Friday, June 3, the annual Special Olympics Motorcycle Run will take off from Johnston and head to the URI campus on Saturday, June 4.

Although the motorcycle run hasn’t been around as long as the Summer Games, the unique event – which has drawn up to 2,000 motorcycles and raised more than $30,000 in one year – has been a tradition started by a former Johnston police officer and held in the town since 1999.

“It has been a huge part of my adult life,” said Phil Viens, the former patrolman who founded the unique motorcycle run. “This is an important event. It means so much to the Special Olympians, and that’s why I’m back.”

Greico Collision Center – formerly known as Metro Collision Center – at 181 Putnam Pike in Johnston has been an event co-sponsor for years. It is back as well, and will host the Motorcycle Run Party on June 4.

“The Grieco family has always been a generous sponsor of the Special Olympics Motorcycle Run,” said Viens, who owns and operates Scituate Liquors. “They give us the use of their entire outdoor facility for bikers to gather before we take off for Kingston.”

Viens announced that in keeping with tradition, the pre-run festivities will begin with registration at 4 p.m. on June 4. The actual send off is scheduled for 7 p.m.

“As we have done in past years, we’re asking each rider to make a $30 donation,” Viens said. “And we want this widely known – every single penny we take in goes to Special Olympics Rhode Island.”

Viens said Special Olympics will have team of its personnel and volunteers taking all registrations and donations during the pre-ride party.

“I’m excited, and I’m also praying for great weather,” Viens said. “The nicer the weather, the more bikes we can expect, and that will mean even more money for Special Olympics Rhode Island.”

For more information, call Viens at 401-829-0903, Johnston police Officer Mario Mennella at 401-633-4595, or Johnston police staffer Ashley Marocco at 401-528-7107. 1

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Tom Rotondo, general manager at Grieco Collision Center, stands under the new sign affixed to the family-owned facility formerly known as Metro Collision Center at 181 Putnam Pike in Johnston. It will play host to upwards of 1,000 motorcycles on June 4 for the annual Special Olympics Rhode Island Bike Run. (Sun Rise photo by Pete Fontaine)

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