GRIMES, IOWA – The Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg sees law enforcement officers running the Flame of Hope from Des Moines to Ames for the 2023 Special Olympics Iowa Summer Games.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run® is the largest grassroots fundraising and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics in the world. The Torch Run Final Leg is a running event in which officers and athletes run the “Flame of Hope” to the Celebration Ceremonies of Special Olympics competitions. The Torch Run is also a diverse program encompassing a variety of fundraisers and awareness initiatives.
The Final Leg begins in Des Moines with a short Opening Ceremony featuring remarks from the Department of Public Safety Commissioner Stephan Bayens and Special Olympics Iowa President and CEO John Kliegl. Following remarks, the torch will be lit with the Flame of Hope, and handed from a Special Olympics Iowa athlete to local law enforcement officers, and the run will depart for Ames.
“We are so excited to have offices across the state of Iowa running the torch from Des Moines to Ames again this year,” says Megan Filipi, Director of Law Enforcement Torch Run. “It means so much to the entire Special Olympics Iowa community to have law enforcement’s involvement and support.”
Upon arriving in Ames, the Flame of Hope is passed back to a Special Olympics Iowa athlete who, during the Summer Games Opening Ceremony, lights the Olympic flame marking the beginning of the Summer Games.
Event details:
WHO: Department of Public Safety Commissioner Stephan Bayens, Special Olympics Iowa President and CEO John Kliegl, Police Chiefs and Sheriffs from across the state
WHEN: Thursday, May 25, 2023 (Opening Ceremony begins at 9:30 a.m., and run departs for Ames at 10:15 a.m.)
WHERE: DPS Building (215 E 7th Street, Des Moines)
