GOFFSTOWN — Officers from the Goffstown Police Department will run through Pinardville and Main Street Tuesday, collecting funds for the Special Olympics as part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the group will stop in at local businesses on a mini torch run to raise money for Team Uncanoonuc, which will compete at the Special Olympics summer games in Durham from Thursday, May 31 through Saturday, June 2.

According to its website, the New Hampshire Summer Games is the largest Special Olympics event in the state, with Special Olympians competing in such events as track and field, aquatics, bocce, cycling, equestrian events, power lifting and tennis.

More than 1,000 athletes are expected to compete.

“This is something we've done every year,” said Jason Ouellette, the officer who is now spearheading this year's event.

Ouellette said former New Boston Police Chief Chris Krajenka was in charge of the event while an officer in Goffstown, and continued when he became chief in New Boston.

“I really wanted it to continue,” Ouellette said.

Ouellette said that after so many years doing the run, businesses have come to expect the officers and have been supportive of the program.

“Most businesses are aware we do it,” he said.

Ouellette said having officers participate in fundraising events show them in a positive light in the community, and provide them with an important community connection.

“There is a lot of respect being lost for the police, especially with youth,” Ouellette said, adding he hopes continued support of community events will be beneficial.

Law enforcement support of the Special Olympics is not new to the organization. The fourth annual Winni Dip, where members of the law enforcement community took a dip into Lake Winnipesaukee, raised nearly $40,000.

“The partnership between Special Olympics and New Hampshire's Law Enforcement is a great one,” said Mary Conroy, president of Special Olympics of New Hampshire.

“The members of LETR help us throughout the year by raising funds and awareness for our organization, they also help at many of our events by handing out medals to our athletes, and participating in ceremonies at SONH competitions,” she said.

“The LETR simply make Special Olympics better.”