Cranbury Policeman Runs Torch to Special Olympics

Cranbury Police Officer Matthew Schneider used to run for sport when he was a Manalapan High School student. Then he did much more running when he served in the 82nd Airborne in Fort Bragg, N.C.

Now the patrolman, who has been on the force for eight years, has pulled out his running shoes for a reason near and dear to his heart.

Schneider was one of 3,000 law enforcement officers statewide who took part in the Special Olympics New Jersey Torch Run, held Friday. The other runners were Chief Rickey Varga, Lt. Mike Owens, Sgt. Ryan Dworzanski and Officer Jeff Morley. Throughout New Jersey, officers covered 1,000 miles throughout 300 towns.

The torch, which came straight through the township, was one of 21 torches statewide that were run throughout the day—all leading up to the program’s kickoff opening ceremonies held at The College of New Jersey in Ewing.

On a scorching late spring morning, Schneider moved past people who lined Main Street to cheer him along. This marked the seventh time that the torch has come through Cranbury.

This torch trip held special meaning for many as it blazed a trail of hope, perseverance and awareness for the disabled.

“For me, running has personal meaning,” Schneider said. “My sister is handicapped and has been involved in the Special Olympics in the past. When she participated, I just saw how the events affected her in such a positive way.” Schneider’s sister Marie, 35, was diagnosed as mentally challenged early in her life.

The International Torch Run was created by Police Chief Richard LaMunyon in 1981 in Wichita, Ks., according to the Special Olympics New Jersey website.

In 1982, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Police Officer Steven Vitale was a volunteer photographer at a Special Olympics New Jersey Summer Games. He was so moved by the determination exhibited by the athletes that he asked other police officers to volunteer.

In 1984, the first New Jersey Torch Run was conceived. It ran through eight towns, covering 43 miles from Liberty State Park in Jersey City to Rutgers Stadium in New Brunswick and raising $7,000. Each year, as the run has gained popularity, more people have participated and the donations have swelled as the event became more successful.

Schneider, said he did not train for the 3.5-mile run, said his younger sister is an inspiration because she has always persevered. “She has overcome a lot in her life,” Schneider said. “Marie has biked, run, swum and did all the things that many people take for granted. You could see the happiness in her face because of her accomplishments.”

Schneider ran the 115th leg of the torch run, which began at Melrich Road and Route 130. The path of the torch run included a jog down Main Street to Silver’s Lane, onto Scott Avenue and then Maplewood Avenue before concluding at Half-Acre Road and Route 130. There, Schneider handed off the torch to the New Jersey State Police.

Schneider said that although Marie has a disability, she is like many and shares a commonality with so many of us because she faces challenges each and every day.

“We all have disabilities in one way or another,” Schneider said. “We all have challenges and they [the disabled] are the most vulnerable portion of our population, yet they can achieve a great deal. They do a lot more than people give them credit for.”