Forging Bonds to Last a Lifetime:

How the Holly Springs PD is making strides with the Special Olympics. By Christain Freed

Step by step. Each footfall the sound of thunder in his ears. Sweat pours down his face. His legs ache with a familiar burn yet he can’t stop. Not yet. The grueling South Florida summer heat beats down mercilessly. Meter after meter goes by in an endless stream of steady yellow lines. He doesn’t know how far he’s run or how much longer he has left. That doesn’t matter. Not at this point. All that matters is finishing his leg of this special occasion and representing his department and the Special Olympics in a manner worthy of emulation. 

Holly Springs Police Captain Mike Patterson has always known a life of service. After doing a stint in the Marine Corps, Mike transitioned over to the Army before finally slipping into the uniform of a Holly Springs police officer. When he first joined us there were fewer than twenty officers in the department. Despite the small size, it provided him with the one thing he was missing during his time in the civilian world: camaraderie. 

Say what you will about military service, in the very least it offers a bonding unlike anything else in the world. Transitioning into one of Holly Springs’ finest took a little getting used to but provided Mike with the opportunity to continue serving while being part of a team again. 

In 2016, he was ‘voluntold’ to take point on the department’s effort with the Special Olympics. Thrown off but always up for a challenge, Mike was forced to do a little research. We’ve all seen the commercials. Caught the announcements here and there. But how many of us know just how important the Special Olympics are or what they do? 

Their mission is ‘to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.’

Armed with this knowledge, Mike attended his first event and discovered an entire new world out there. He quickly learned that these individuals were indeed special. He found an immediate connection with them and the organization, appreciating the total effort the athletes put into all they did. One event and he was hooked.

The Special Olympics have been around for over five decades. First founded in 1968, the organization has strived to create a better world through acceptance and inclusion of all people. This powerful statement rings true to this day. Since its founding, Special Olympics have become a beacon of positivity. 

There are an estimated 200 million people with intellectual disabilities worldwide and Special Olympics have a goal of reaching every single one. Fundraising events are held throughout the year along with sporting events, competitions, and health screenings.

It is about the whole family. Special Olympics prides itself on outreach programs to families, communities, local leader, celebrities, dignitaries, and law enforcement. Enter Mike Patterson and the Holly Springs Police Department.

In his six years of working with Special Olympics, Mike has discovered a richness no amount of money can buy. These athletes leave their hearts on the field every time and have provided him with the inspiration to do better, be better. We all have room for self-improvement, but no one ever said that can’t come from helping others. 

Special Olympics have the power to transform lives. In a world where our attention span is reduced to click bait and breaking news headlines scrolling across the bottom of the screen it is easy to forget what matters most and how just one act of kindness or giving can ripple across the world in an unstoppable wave. 

Mike knows his life has changed for the better and he sees no signs of slowing down. For his efforts, he was the only law enforcement representative selected for the entire state of North Carolina to participate in the torch run for the opening ceremonies of this year’s games held in Orlando, Florida. 

He strapped on his best running shoes, packed his best uniform, and headed to sunny South Florida for the grueling 235-mile run from Miami to Orlando. Don’t worry though, he didn’t run the whole way. He was proud to do his share, knowing his efforts have not only afforded him with this great honor, but enlightened both him and his family to an entire world they once knew little about. 

Entering the stadium was the culmination of nearly a decade worth of extra duty. Seeing thousands of these special athletes ready to plunge into the games was enough to fill his heart with pride. The sensations are powerful and inexplicable. That he, out of every law enforcement officer in this state, was selected to represent North Carolina was an individual honor, not to mention a point of pride among the department, and a personal accomplishment that will stay with him for the rest of his life. 

Wait, you might be thinking, you said there are events year-round? Yes, there are, and yes, the Holly Springs Police Department sponsors many of them. Whether it is selling subs at Jersey Mike’s or partnering with Dunkin’ Donuts, there is always something going on where you, the heart and soul of our town, can jump in and make someone’s day a little brighter. 

The department has a long history of community outreach but none so impactful as their efforts for the Special Olympics. Captain Mike Patterson has no intention of slacking off now. Rejuvenated from witnessing the awesome spectacle of the games, he is bringing that fire and passion back to Holly Springs. Always the drive to do better, be better, and be a positive role model for these terrific young athletes pushes him. 

Somewhere along the path of his life, Mike discovered a new reality. Special Olympics have become impactful in so many ways. His efforts reflect great credit upon him and the dedication of the Holly Springs Police Department as they continue making strides to bridge the gap between service and community. Today, they also represent the state and the nation. 

How big is this event? Over 5,500 athletes converged on Orlando. They represented all 50 states and 18 territories and brought with them the heart and tenacity of champions, and every one of them was. So many bright young souls having fun and touching countless lives in the process. For we have the ability to learn more from them than they from us. All it takes is an open mind and a willing heart. 

Feeling inspired? Ready to get involved? A little or a lot, there is no wrong answer. Every action we devote to Special Olympics means a world of difference to the young men and women across the country.

Get involved with Special Olympics: https://www.specialolympics.org/get-involved 

Or give our town a try. Stay up to date through the town website or go here to see what the Holly Springs Police Department has cooking next: