![]() “Athletes show up to events where they instantly recognize Chris Tarmann and are ready for high fives and fist bumps all around,” Biesemeier said, crediting him for a great experience for participants, volunteers and athletes. In June, he represented Wisconsin in the final leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run before the Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando, Florida. Tip money and a portion of proceeds went to Special Olympics.īiesemeier said Tarmann has gone “above and beyond” for Special Olympics Wisconsin. Tarmann remembers being on patrol over a decade ago, working at a fundraiser at Buffalo Wild Wings. Oshkosh was the first to bring Run with the Cops to Wisconsin, an event that currently is held at three additional locations across the state (River Falls, Wausau and Wisconsin Rapids). Pre-entry for runners and walkers is $30 and $35 on race day-a sum that Tarmann said some students earn by crowd-sourcing pledges. Star Protection of Oshkosh is the presenting sponsor of this year’s event. Law enforcement will be represented by at least a dozen agencies from around Oshkosh and the Fox Valley, and stretching to Marquette and Green Lake counties. Participation has been as high as around 1,000, but more recently has attracted between 500 and 600 runners and walkers. He estimates the Oshkosh Run with the Cops event has raised about $350,000 over the past eight to nine years. “We want people to know that we are human beings and we like to have a good time and to help a good cause,” he added. Tarmann said the event gives the community a chance to hang out with law enforcement. kids and cops donut eating contest takes place in the parking lot at 7 p.m. at in parking Lot 6 at the Culver Center where squad cars, tactical vehicles, a mobile command center and military vehicles are expected for up-close viewing. ScheduleĪttendees will gather and mingle from 5 to 6:30 p.m. An indoor gathering space will be in Ballrooms B and C of the Culver Center. The starting/ending point will be at Lot 6 at the Culver Family Welcome Center, 625 Pearl Ave. Runners will travel the Wiouwash Trail along the Fox River for a portion of the 5K run/walk. The course will shift due to construction along Algoma Boulevard. “Coming out of a rough last couple of years, we are excited to see the event being held again with no restrictions, and have high hopes that we will get back to the participation and excitement of previous years,” Biesemeier said. His dream is to someday go to the USA Games as an athlete or athlete leader.īryttany Biesemeier, Special Olympics Wisconsin director of development for Regions 4 and 5, credits the event’s success to the committed officers and agencies that show up from all around the region, as well as UWO students who volunteer and participate in the nighttime 5K on campus. He has competed in a number of Special Olympics sports: basketball, bocce, bowling, gymnastics, track and powerlifting. Kastern usually gets around with a wheelchair, but he has used a walker for short-term need. It also helped him get his job as a leadership specialist and helps pay the bills-he has a 3-year-old daughter at home. “It gave me the confidence and courage to go to college,” he said, “and it teaches you independence.” ![]() Kastern, who earned a bachelor’s degree in theatre from UWO in 2010 (with a minor in radio TV film), said Special Olympics had a very big impact on his life-and is about much more than sports. The joy of being with Special Olympians, he said, provides “something you don’t get in law enforcement.”Įdward Kastern is a Special Olympics athlete who is part of the staff of Special Olympics Wisconsin. The athletes, Tarmann said, are kind, non-judgmental and exemplify how people should act, even when they don’t win an event. “You do your job the best you can and don’t always get that positive feedback.” “I feel Special Olympics fills my cup,” said UW Oshkosh Acting Police Chief Chris Tarmann, who has spent many hours organizing Run With the Cops.
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