The Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg

The Final Leg tradition is for law enforcement officers, representing their state, to act as “Guardians of the Flame” and carry the Special Olympics torch “Flame of Hope” to the Opening Ceremonies of the Special Olympics National Games. This torch run event is called the Final Leg because it is the culmination of Torch run events that have occurred throughout the United States.

The Torch Run Final leg is not only a salute to the athletes from around the U.S. who will compete in the USA National Games, but also an honor for the participating law enforcement officers who comprise the Torch Run Final Leg Team. The Final Leg Team (approximately 110 strong) includes law enforcement runners, Special Olympic athletes and Support Team members.

Schedule of Events
Saturday, June 24 – Lighting of the Flame, Soldier Field, Chicago, Ill (Home of the first Special Olympics competition) Sunday, June 25 – “Flame of Hope” will cross the Mississippi River into Iowa Monday, June 26 – Saturday, July 1 – The Torch Run Final Leg team will split into three separate teams and carry the flame across Iowa Sunday, July 2 – The Torch Run Final Leg team will carry the Flame of Hope to Hilton Coliseum for the Opening Ceremony of the 2006 USA National Games. The Torch will then be handed over to a Special Olympics athlete who will light the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, marking the opening of the Games.

See schedule details.

Torch Run Sponsors

How can you be involved?
4-H Clubs, FFA Chapters, Community Service Organizations such as Kiwanis, Rotary International, church groups are invited to participate in the event in their community.

Questions can be directed to Jeanette Steinfeldt via email at: jsteinfeldt@soiowa.org