WASHINGTON — The Special Olympics Flame of Hope is continuing its journey from Greece to the World Games in Los Angeles via a relay that will pass through every state in America. The Special Olympics Unified Relay Across America launched today from Augusta, Maine; Miami, Florida and D.C. During Tuesday’s cauldron-lighting ceremony on the grounds of the Washington Monument, supporters said the flame represents the hope that all people with intellectual disabilities can be accepted and respected in an all-inclusive society. The Special Olympics World Games begin July 25. More than 7,000 athletes from 170 countries around the globe will participate.
Joy Cheerleaders @SpecialOlympics #PassTheFlame fr DC to LA kickoff #WTOP pic.twitter.com/U5qOC3zQbM
— Kristi King (@kingWTOP) May 26, 2015
Howard Amos @HaChgo holds THE flame fr Greece at DC #PassTheFlame ceremony #WTOP pic.twitter.com/rQXYaWz6h1 — Kristi King (@kingWTOP) May 26, 2015
Special Olympics Flame of Hope taking 3routes fr DC, ME and FL to LA will cover all 50 states #PassTheFlame #WTOP pic.twitter.com/mh9tIcDtHO
— Kristi King (@kingWTOP) May 26, 2015
Unified Relay Acrss Amer @SpecialOlympics Co-Capt Corey Leonhard & LETR: John Newnan light DC #PassTheFlame #WTOP pic.twitter.com/Tmw1LHaGcF — Kristi King (@kingWTOP) May 26, 2015 WTOP’s Kristi King contributed to this report