When it comes to acts of dedication and community spirit, they don't get much more heartwarming than the story of South Kohala Police Officer Michael Abran. Representing Hawai‘i, Abran recently carried the Flame of Hope in Italy, as the only officer from the Aloha State participating in the "Final Leg" torch run leading up to the Special Olympics World Winter Games Turin 2025. According to the Hawaii Police Department, this torch run was not just any run of the mill event but a symbol of courage, hope, and the inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities.
Officer Abran, who went above and beyond by volunteering on his personal time – and dime, joined the ranks of 81 law enforcement officers from 17 countries, and eight athletes. Together, they traversed through ten cities, from Bardonecchia to Biella, despite, the often unyielding Italian weather that ranged from chilly 20s to just about bearable 50s, and even faced snow during their runs. In an interview obtained by the Hawaii Police Department, Abran reflected on the event, saying, "The weather was in the 20s and the warmest it got was in the 50s, one day it even snowed as we ran."
The "Final Leg" ran its course from March 1 to March 7, with the team covering one to three miles daily and engaging in community events post-run. Aiding the worldwide representation was the duo of one Special Olympics athlete and one officer convening at these gatherings to speak, as per the Hawaii Police Department. With more than a decade volunteering with Special Olympics and serving as a coach, Abran is also a participant in the police department's annual Badges and Buckets fundraiser for the Special Olympics.
"It was inspiring to be in a different country and to see Special Olympics in another country," Abran remarked, according to the Hawaii Police Department, "We were there to promote having our law enforcement counterparts do torch runs in other countries. To carry that flag in those other cities and, in Italy was amazing," said Abran, a 15-year veteran of the department. His experience underlines a commitment that stretches far beyond a one-time gig and speaks to the broader goals of spreading inclusive practices through these impactful programs.
Meanwhile, back in Hawai‘i, the torch runs continue with the local Special Olympics Hawai‘i holding the Troy Barboza Torch Run/Walk on each of the main Hawaiian Islands, including the Kona Torch Run held on April 26, and the Hilo Torch Run that took place last Saturday. With another run scheduled on Oahu on June 6, it appears the Flame of Hope that Officer Abran helped shepherd is still burning brightly across the globe and within his home state, forging paths not just across city streets, but within hearts and communities as well, as reported by the Hawaii Police Department.
