The Special Olympics Torch Run on Howard Street is in the books!
Local athletes, program supporters, Hibbing Police Department, Hibbing Fire Department, City of Chisholm Ambulance Service and the Hibbing High School Marching Band joined forces to celebrate inclusion, perseverance and community spirit marched down Howard Street on Monday, June 16, for the annual event.
The energy was electric as the torch made its way down Howard Street, cheered on by smiling spectators and the powerful beat of the band.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated and showed up to support our incredible athletes — you make Hibbing proud!
The Special Olympics Torch Run aims to raise awareness and show support to hometown athletes and aid in contribution for Range athletes to be able to compete in the Special Olympics.
A similar torch run was also held in Virginia today.
About the Special Olympics Torch Run
The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics began in 1981 in Wichita, Kansas, when Police Chief Richard LaMunyon saw an urgent need to raise funds for, and increase awareness of, Special Olympics, according to a history found on the Special Olympics website.
“The idea for the Torch Run was to provide local law enforcement officers with an opportunity to volunteer with Special Olympics in the communities where the officers lived and worked. After three successful years in Kansas, Chief LaMunyon presented his idea to the International Association of Chiefs of Police, which endorsed Special Olympics as its official charity through the Torch Run,” as stated on the website.
Law enforcement from all 50 United States, 10 Canadian provinces and territories and 35 nations carry the Flame of Hope in honor of Special Olympics athletes in their area and around the world. The Flame of Hope symbolizes courage and celebration of diversity and the inclusion of all people around the world.
The Torch Run is the largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics in the world. This international program has raised over $1 billion to support Special Olympics programs. More than 110,000 law enforcement personnel from thousands of agencies around the world have been Guardians of the Flame and carried the Flame of Hope.
