Police to race for Special Olympians

Sedalia Police Cmdr. Larry Ward will be keeping his eye on Sedalia on Friday and then showing off his driving prowess that night.

He will be raising money for the Missouri Special Olympics from the top of Bing’s Bakery & Deli in the State Fair Shopping Center.

Ward will spend 11 hours on the roof of Bing’s during the second Cop on Top.

On Friday night, Ward will head out to Missouri State Fair Speedway to race against other law enforcement officers during the Battle of the Badges for Law Enforcement Race.

Officers from throughout Missouri will drive custom-painted and sponsored Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptors to compete for the title of “Top Cop” in the first Battle of the Badges.

According to the speedway’s website, missouristatefairspeedway.com, the goal for the race is to raise $50,000 through sponsorships and donations.

Ward’s day will begin at 8 a.m. when he will take his place on Bing’s roof as Special Olympic athletes and visitors cheer him on.

For a small donation, visitors can purchase hot dogs and drinks and attempt to hit Ward with a water balloon.

Ward will also have a bucket attached to a rope to accept donations from visitors.

Last year, the Cop on Top event raised $1,500 for the Missouri Special Olympics.

“I would like to break $2,000,” Ward said.

The Missouri Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and athletic competitions for children and adults with mental disabilities.

The competitions provide the athletes with confidence and skills they can use to obtain employment, improve their grades and gain respect.

Ward said 100 percent of the funds raised during the event go to support the athletes in this area.

Raffle tickets for a chance to win a new Ford Mustang will be available for a $5 donation, and 25th annual Law Enforcement Torch Run T-shirts will be available to purchase.

“Special Olympics was the first community thing that I became involved in,” Ward said. “It’s just something I believe in.”

Ward, who has been with the police department for 21 years, said he always enjoys the opportunity to help raise funds for the athletes.

“They show sportsmanship as it should be,” Ward said.

Friday’s racing program at Missouri State Fair Speedway will not only feature the Battle of the Badges but  also feature late model and modified cars.

The late model race will be a United Late Models Association points race. Drivers will race for $2,000 to win and $150 to start.

The modifieds will race for $1,000 to win and $100 to start.

General admission tickets for adults are $18 each, seniors  and military personnel with an I.D. are $15 and children 6-12 are $9. Children five and younger will be admitted for free. Law enforcement officials who display their badge will receive at $5 discount when entering the grandstands. Pit passes cost $30.

Pit gates will open at 3 p.m. with test-and-tune session for the police officers at 5 p.m.

General admission gates will open at 5 p.m. with hot laps starting at 7 and races beginning at 7:30 p.m.