The flame of hope
Torch run for Special Olympics Invitational
Sunday, February 24, 2008 5:35 AM PST
Boise - Tomorrow, more than 500 officers, athletes and area Wal-Mart employees will usher the Special Olympics Flame of Hope to the World Winter Games Invitational opening ceremony.
The torch run will begin at 2:30 p.m. at the Julia Davis Bandshell and will pass down Capital Boulevard, Main Street and Broadway, finally ending at Taco Bell Arena, where an officer, chosen by peers, and a Special Olympics athlete will light the cauldron, officially kicking off the 2008 invitational games.
The torch run is projected to raise close to $45,000 for Special Olympics Idaho. Serving more than 2,200 children and adults with intellectual disabilities, the non-profit organization provides physical training and opportunities to compete in sporting events year-round.
Idaho’s athletes will compete against visitors from more than 10 countries in the invitational, which is a test run for next year’s Special Olympics 2009 World Winter Games.
The Idaho athletes who are participating in the invitational competed Feb. 16 in a variety of competitions, including snowboard, alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and even floor hockey.
Spectators from far and wide are encouraged to line the streets during the torch run to show support for the athletes and the officers participating in the run.
The Idaho law enforcement officers have a torch run every year, but this run will have the largest amount of participants to date.
For more information, contact Christine Jarski, Special Olympics Idaho at (208) 323-0482, ext. 21.
