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TINLEY PARK, IL — A familiar face in Tinley Park, Special Olympics and track blazed the trail—again—Tuesday, as he ran alongside Tinley Park police on the Law Enforcement Torch Run. Nicholas Diaz, 29, who has autism and derives great joy from running, has competed in the Special Olympics—the cause at the heart of the torch run's fundraising efforts—for more than 18 years. Diaz joined Officer Roberto Frias and members of the Tinley Park Police Department in their 2.5-mile stretch carrying the torch known as the Flame of Hope, to its destination of the Special Olympics Summer Games in Bloomington-Normal. With hundreds of medals and trophies to his name—spanning track and field, basketball, volleyball, flag football and more—this was an honor new to Nick. "I thought, ‘he’s never done it,'" his mother Joan Diaz told Patch. "They (Tinley Park police) do so much for these Special Olympics athletes. They raise so much money for these participants. ... I knew he could run with them. How cool would it be if Nick could run to support them?" Diaz spoke with Tinley Park police during the department's Cop on a Rooftop fundraiser (also to benefit Special Olympics), and mentioned the idea. At first, they seemed skeptical. "It’s not easy to run this with them," Diaz said, noting that it's usually a several-mile stretch with heat factored in. But she was confident he could do it, and the department welcomed him with open arms. "They were so kind to Nick," she said. "They let him carry the torch. I think he outran them. ... Nick seriously could have outrun all of them." In scorching heat and blazing sun, the group made its way through their stretch. Detective Robby Frias praised Nick's spirit. "Nick didn’t just join the run this year — he led it, bringing with him a beaming smile, infectious energy, and a spirit that lifted everyone around him," Frias said. "I have been participating in (Special Olympics of Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run) events like the Torch Run for over 9 years and still find myself speechless when I get to witness moments that take my breath away. (Tuesday) was one of those experiences." A graduate of Kirby District 140 school and District 230's Andrew High School, Nick first took off running at Prairie View, Diaz said. As he kept working at it, he seemed to pick up speed. She signed him up with the South Suburban Special Recreation Association, a therapeutic recreation program that is an extension of eight park districts and three recreation and parks departments. It is organized to provide individuals with disabilities or special needs, the opportunity to be involved in year-round recreation. "I noticed he was a good runner," Diaz said, and then, she realized, "I think he's getting faster and faster." His freshman year in high school, he represented Andrew High School in the Special Olympics. Then she wondered if he could join the school's team. "I approached the school district, to see if he could run track," she said. "One of the students stepped up, said they’d run with him." He practiced with the track team, and showed promise. "I approached the cross-country coach at Andrew, and said 'If Nick could run as fast as your slowest runner, would you give him a chance?'" He did, and the team embraced him. "The boys loved him," Diaz said. "They all looked out for him." He ran cross country for the school sophomore through senior years, and ultimately was the second-fastest on the team. While competing with them, Nick did not participate in Special Olympics, but upon graduating, returned to the organization. "Track is really his passion," Diaz said. "He’s tall, has skinny, long legs. It is so good for him. I think he burns his energy. And I think he has such a high tolerance for pain, Nick just pushes through it. "He just doesn’t stop. He just enjoys it." Running has given him a social outlet, as well. Though Nick does not run outside unaccompanied, the mother-son duo frequent Tinley Park-Park District facilities, where Nick runs on the treadmill four days a week, five miles each time. When weather permits, they move to Horsetail Lake near McCarthy Park, where a loop around the lake is a mile. Nick runs 3-4 miles, while Diaz walks. They also enjoy pickleball and swimming, but Nick's heart seems to be in running. "I still think track is his passion," Diaz said. Tinley Park's leg of the run was one of just many through the south suburbs, as the torch makes its way to its destination. It's a yearly occurrence, with other fundraising efforts also centered around it. Held in May, the popular Cop on a Rooftop also drums up support for the torch run and Special Olympics Illinois as an organization. The fundraising by Tinley Park police, specifically, is stunning, Diaz said. This year's donations totaled $16,422, the Village announced. The significance isn't lost on Diaz. "They are just amazing, these people," she said. "They do so much for Special Olympics." Diaz was thrilled to see Nick among their ranks Tuesday. "I was honored for Nick to be able to run with them," she said. "But I think they were more honored that Nick was there, too. ... And Nick had a great time—smilin’ and wavin’." Frias was humbled by Nick. "As the group braved the intense summer heat and humidity over the 2.5-mile route, Nick set the pace with confidence and joy, holding the Torch of Hope high and returning every honk and cheer from passing motorists with a wave, a smile, or a cheer of his own," Frias said. "Watching Nick in his element was pure inspiration—he made every step look effortless, all while reminding us why this cause is so special." The torch will continue to make its way to Bloomington-Normal for the Special Olympics Summer Games, which open on Friday. The games bring together more than 15,000 participants, including 3,500 athletes, 1,250 coaches, 1,200 volunteers, and 10,000 family members, for a three-day celebration of inclusion and achievement. The mission was clear in Tinley Park Tuesday, Frias said. "Nick’s presence yesterday turned the run into something more than just a tradition—it became a celebration of courage, community, and the power of inclusion," he said. "Nick truly embodied the spirit of the Special Olympics motto: 'Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.' "We’re beyond grateful to Nick for leading the way and for reminding us all what hope and perseverance truly look like. His example inspired us to run a little harder, brave through the elements, and be champions."
