Special Olympian Robbie Strickland pumps his fist in the air while speaking during the Final Leg Law Enforcement Torch Run ceremony Monday at Memorial Field. Gary Beecher, left, also spoke at the event. (Chris Bristol, Fremont Tribune)

Gary Beecher of the Los Angeles Police Department said there's no better way to spend your day than supporting Special Olympics, but he remembers when athletes weren't allowed to participate in the Torch Run in South Central Los Angeles.

Beecher was the featured speaker for a Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg ceremony Monday at Christensen Field. The Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce hosted the event.

A 16-year LAPD officer and former Major League baseball player, Beecher has been involved with Special Olympics for 25 years.

South Central Los Angeles "is a rough place," he said. Fearing it was too dangerous, event organizers would not let athletes take part in the Torch Run there 15 years ago.

Beecher said he begged for five years to get athletes to run, promising officers would keep the athletes safe. He wanted officers to see why the Torch Run and Special Olympics were important.

When he finally got permission for athletes to run, "It didn't work out the way I thought it would," he said. No sooner did he receive the torch that day when an armed robbery took place right in front of him. In his shorts, he apprehended the crooks and put them in the car.

"I said kids let's go, I promise it will never happen again," he said. "Ever since then, fortunately, they've given us athletes every year."

He and officers from around the country, along with 11 local athletes and four coaches who will take part in the USA National Games in Lincoln Sunday through July 23, carried the "Flame of Hope" from Fourth and C streets in Fremont to Memorial Field, escorted by police and fire vehicles.

The only Nebraska officer in the Final Leg was Chris Weber of the Lincoln Police Department. He got involved with Special Olympics five years ago through the Polar Plunge in Lincoln.

"The looks on the athletes' faces, and the amount of enthusiasm they and their families bring to this, makes it very rewarding for all of us to be involved, and to see the joy that we bring when we come running through town with the torch," Weber said.

Eric Grimes of the Pathfinder Chorus sang the National Anthem, and master of ceremonies Brian Essen read the names of all the Fremont athletes and coaches, each of whom was presented a carnation.

Fremont City Council president Scott Getzschman read a proclamation declaring July 18-23 as Special Olympics USA National Games Week in Fremont.

"I ask all of our citizens to join with the Special Olympics movement, to transform communities by inspiring people throughout the world to open their minds, to accept and include people with intellectual disabilities, and thereby celebrate the similarities common to all people," Getzschman said.

Dodge County Sheriff Steve Hespen welcomed the athletes, coaches and supporters.

"The accomplishments of all the athletes truly instill in all of us the belief that we can all reach our goals by putting forth a little hard work and determination," Hespen said.

Special Olympics athlete Robbie Strickland of Rhode Island said Special Olympics has been part of his life for 20 years.

"All the volunteers and people behind the scenes probably have the biggest hearts in the world," Strickland said. "The thing is we are all great friends, I love them all."

The 2010 USA National Games will feature nearly 3,000 athletes in 13 Olympic-style sports with the support of 1,000 coaches, 8,000 volunteers and an estimated 15,000 family and friends.

The Final Leg team will deliver the flame to opening ceremonies Sunday.

The 110-member team, comprised of law enforcement officers, Special Olympic athletes and support team members from across the nation, traveled to more than 70 Nebraska communities carrying the flame to encourage support of the games and increase awareness, acceptance and involvement in Special Olympics.

More information about the event is available at www.2010specialolympics.org.