This year, Special Olympics Tennessee is completing a statewide Law Enforcement Torch Run running the Flame of Hope across the state.
"Our goal is to have the entire state completed by end of July," officials said.
The Chattanooga portion of the run will take place Friday, June 18. The run is open to the community. The run will start at 9 a.m. at the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office Annex, 6233 Dayton Blvd. The runners will run Hwy 153 to Dupont Parkway, Amnicola Highway to Veterans Bridge and end at Coolidge Park. Texas Roadhouse Hixson will provide lunch for participants. Participants may choose to run the full length or any portion of the route. There will be several stops along the way. The full route can be found at https://fb.me/e/UcbSQJaD.
The Torch Run is rolling along with over 360 miles already covered.
"We are looking for runners to support individual legs of the event and invite you to join us," officials said. "Due to the impact of Covid-19, we are unable to host our annual State Summer Games. Plans are underway for three Regional Summer Games which will allow for the opportunity for more Special Olympics athletes and Unified partners to participate in this year's events. The Statewide Law Enforcement Torch Run will have routes to coincide. Proceeds from the statewide run will support the more than 18,000 Special Olympics athletes across the state. $20 covers your registration and participation in the Law Enforcement Torch Run and secures your Torch Run t-shirt.
"This is the 40th anniversary of the Law Enforcement Torch Run. The mission of the Law Enforcement Torch Run is to raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics movement. Known as Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the 'Flame of Hope' into Opening Ceremonies of local competitions. They also carry it into Special Olympics State, Provincial, National, Regional and World Games. There are over 97,000 law enforcement members that carry the 'Flame of Hope' annually. The flame symbolizes courage and celebration of diversity uniting communities around the globe. Over 150,000 law enforcement officers in all 50 states, 12 Canadian provinces and 48 countries carry the 'Flame of Hope' annually."