Special Olympics torch runners bring Flame of Hope to ABC7

GLENDALE, Calif. (KABC) -- Special Olympics athletes and law enforcement officers participating in the torch relay brought the Flame of Hope to the ABC7 studio in Glendale on Wednesday.

The torch was first lit on May 14 in Athens, Greece. It then traveled across the ocean to Washington, D.C., where runners kicked off the 46-day Special Olympics Unified Relay Across America.

"It's very special. It's the Flame of Hope. It has a lot of meaning and symbolism to Special Olympics and to the law enforcement officers, and we take our role seriously as the guardians of the flame," said John Newman, Law Enforcement Torch Run team captain.

The miner's lamp ensures that the flame never goes out.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run has already visited more than 120 cities in the state including landmarks like Disneyland and Dodger Stadium. All of the athletes helping in the relay are hand selected.

When the Flame of Hope reaches the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, it will have traveled 4,600 miles.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run, the largest grass roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle for the Special Olympics, has raised a half billion dollars since 1981. The team consists of 125 officers and athletes from 23 different countries.

"It's one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities where you can be surprised that people that you don't know, within days, can become your family," said Kristal Crissman with Massachusetts police.

Also Wednesday, athletes from Bonaire and the Dominican Republic arrived at the ABC7 studio for a luncheon hosted by the station. The teams are being hosted by the city of Glendale.

About 7,000 athletes from 177 different countries will be competing in the games, which will feature 25 Olympic-style sports in various venues through Aug. 2.

To get more information about the Special Olympics World Games, visit abc7.com/specialolympics.