WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Vt. State Troopers Partner with Special Olympics for fundraiser

Vt. State Troopers Partner with Special Olympics for fundraiser

Rutland, Vermont - July 23, 2011

This weekend troopers, along with Special Olympics athletes and volunteers are pumping gas and washing windows to raise money.

"Swimming is my favorite sport, I've loved swimming ever since I was a little girl," said Caroline Gillen, a Special Olympics Athlete.

Gillen is a competitive free-style swimmer.

"I've been doing first place, second place maybe some ribbons," she said.

But on Saturday, she was a volunteer.

Special Olympics parent Darcie Allen said the fundraiser is important, "We're just here to offer our services to pump some gas and wash some windows and hopefully get some information out on our group and Special Olympics itself," Allen said.

Allen is a parent and volunteer of the Rutland Eagles Special Olympics team, the team pumped gas and washed windows at the Circle K in Rutland on Saturday, the group received donations on site and will benefit from every gallon Circle K sells. It's Irving oil's largest New England Fundraiser called Irvings fueling dreams.

"Not only here in Vermont but in New Hampshire, Maine. Five cents per gallon of their sales for the weekend goes toward Special Olympics," said Senior State Police Trooper Mark Perkins.

Law enforcement in Vermont has been supporting the Special Olympics since 1999 for the torch run, the largest worldwide fundraiser for the Special Olympics.

"I am not above coming out and pumping someone's gas, I used to do it as a kid," said Perkins.

Parents say this organization gives kids and adults with intellectual disabilities a whole new playing field.

"Sports don't have to be competitive, they can be fun and that's the most important part," said Allen.

Giving these athletes opportunities to compete and connect to their community.

Susie Steimle - WCAX News

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