Special Olympics Kentucky kicks off Torch Run leading to Summer Games at EKU

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Special Olympics Kentucky games begin this week, and the annual torch run made its way through Louisville Monday morning.

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg helped carry the torch along with Special Olympic athletes and police agencies, as the torch makes its way across the state ahead of the summer games.

The competition with 1,100 athletes is June 6 to June 8 at Eastern Kentucky University. More than 600 volunteers will be on site to make sure the games run smoothly.

Athlete Hayden Radmon carried the torch with Mayor Greenberg. "You can do it. You can do anything. You just have to embrace yourself. You've got it. You're all that. You're amazing. You're awesome. You've got it. Just go out and push."

The torch will travel across the state with the final leg in Frankfort before the opening ceremonies of the games on Friday.

Opening Ceremonies for the Games will begin at 6 p.m. on June 6 in The Ravine near the center of the EKU campus (weather permitting). Competition will begin Friday night immediately following the Opening Ceremonies.

According to the Special Olympics Kentucky's website, "The Kentucky’s Touchstone Energy Cooperatives Track will host the distance races and relays beginning at approximately 7:30 p.m. on June 6. There will also be several heats of the softball throw competition held at Turkey Hughes Baseball Field on Friday night, as well as the start of the Unified bocce competition on the EKU intramural fields.'

Competition continues for all sports on Saturday including soccer, rhythmic gymnastics.

Olympic Town and Healthy Athletes will be open from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday. Olympic Town will include music, dancing, games and snacks. This year Healthy Athletes disciplines will include Opening Eyes, Special Smiles, Healthy Hearing, Fit Feet, Fun Fitness, Strong Minds and Health Promotion.

For a more detailed schedule of the Special Olympics of Kentucky Summer Games, click here.

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