LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Law enforcement officials carried the Torch of Hope for the Special Olympics through Louisville on Thursday morning.

They started the run at 10 a.m. at the Police Memorial on South 6th Street and ran to the Great Lawn at Waterfront Park.

The torch run is part of the opening of the Special Olympics Kentucky State Summer Games and helps raise awareness for the games. Another leg of the torch run starts at 1 p.m. Thursday in Bullitt County.

"Anyone who has ever volunteered at one of the competitions will tell you that what you receive from the athletes is much more than what you give," Bullitt County Sheriff's Deputy Trevor Ford said. "No price can be put on the joy seen on the athletes' faces on the medal stand and the courage they display in order to finish a race."

Games start Friday, May 31, and run through June 2 at Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond. 

More than 1,100 athletes will compete in events like bocce, rhythmic gymnastics, soccer, and track and field.

For more information about the summer games, click here.

Related Stories: 

Copyright 2024 WDRB Media. All Rights Reserved.