Torch run to signal beginning of Special Olympics Summer Games Published April 28, 2014 By Susan Griggs 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Law enforcement agencies from Keesler and across the state are the keepers of the flame that signals the beginning of the 2014 Mississippi Special Olympics Summer Games May 9. The National Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics began in 1981 and Mississippi joined the effort in in 1996. Assistant Police Chief Rodney McGilvary, a member of the Special Olympics advisory board, and Capt. Harold Windom, both from the Biloxi Police Department, coordinate state participation. The torch run begins in Southaven at the northwest corner of Mississippi and ends at Keesler. The torch is carried through 21 communities by more than 100 agencies throughout the state. The run culminates with the lighting of the cauldron to mark the start of the games. Biloxi police will pass the torch to members of the 81st Security Forces Squadron at the corner of U.S. Highway 90 and Veterans Avenue. The 81st SFS will carry the torch to White Avenue and head north to enter the base's main gate about 12:30 p.m., then proceed down Larcher Boulevard to Meadows Drive and through the Triangle to Welch Theater.