"I've got my very cool sneakers and we are having a good time and we are gonna run later," said Lenny Pirrello.
The 29-year-old is participating in the 'Law Enforcement Torch Run' for Special Olympics. Pirrello and others with special needs joined members of law enforcement for the event. They ran through the streets of St. George carrying ‘the Flame of Hope’ as a way to raise awareness. The officers raised about $10,000 for Special Olympics programs.
"No child pays for participation in the Special Olympics. So all the money raised benefits a child," said NYPD Officer Joe Piar.
Officer Piar and other officers NY1 spoke with say they wanted to get involved because the torch run is an opportunity to connect with the athletes.
"They're the ones with all the courage, they're the ones going out there in the Special Olympics, they're putting their heart and souls into this. The least that we can do is support them," said Kevin Dean, a court officer.
The torch run ended at the Richmound County Bank Ball Park. It's where one of the athletes got to throw out the first pitch at the Staten Island Yankees game.
"What an honor, it's not like a bucket list but a dream to play in the stadium," said Douglas Patterson who is participating in the Special Olympics.
The Staten Island Yankees asked Douglas Patterson to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Sunday's game. The team also wore jerseys designed by another athlete, Rodney Hankins.
"I'm so happy, I was just shocked," said Hankins.
The group stayed for the entire baseball game. They say it served as motivation for their special Olympics games on Saturday.