JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — Community members are working to amplify the voices of Special Olympic athletes -- one step at a time.
It's the time of year when Special Olympics Georgia has its annual Law Enforcement Torch Run, where athletes, law enforcement and community members carry the "Flame of Hope" from the top of the state to the bottom. The run is the largest annual fundraising event to benefit the organization, according to its website.
On Monday, the Johns Creek Police Department helped participate and organize the run to empower athletes and raise awareness about the games. The department teamed up with the nonprofit Special K.
"Our goal is to have as many law enforcement agencies participate as possible," explained Lt. Tyler Seymour with Johns Creek police. "This is going to be an amazing event to raise awareness for the almost 17,500 athletes who participate in various sporting events through Special Olympics Georgia."
Seymour said it's important to highlight the hard work the athletes put in every day to be at the top of their game.
"These athletes are incredible and work so hard," he said. "Doing this is a way to raise awareness about the Special Olympics and the partnership law enforcement has with the athletes."
Athlete Liam Stuart ran with the Johns Creek Police Department and said the commitment is important to him.
"Special Olympics athletes, like me, don't always get the same attention that we deserve. This really helps us shine," he said.
I also participated in the first leg of the torch run in Johns Creek with athlete Albert Williams.
"I am so excited for the games! I can't wait to play," he said.
Check out pictures from Monday's run below:
2024 Torch Run | Special Olympics Georgia
Overall, law enforcement agencies from across Georgia are partnering with athletes to carry the torch from Ft. Oglethorpe, just south of Chattanooga near the Georgia-Tennessee state line, all the way to Jekyll Island on the Georgia coast.
The torch run is not specific to Georgia; it first began in 1981 when a Wichita, Kansas police chief saw a need to raise money to increase awareness of the Special Olympics. The first run in Georgia was organized in 1986 and has grown into the largest fundraising effort for Special Olympics Georgia, according to its website.
The torch run ends at the summer games, when officers enter the opening ceremony with the torch. It's then passed to an athlete who lights the cauldron to start the games.
The Georgia Special Olympics will be held at Emory University in May. To donate to the games, click here: Igniting the Flame of Hope 2024 - Campaign (classy.org)
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