Torch Run Kicks Off Special Olympics Ohio Summer Games

ZANESVILLE, Ohio — The Special Olympics Ohio Summer Games are officially underway, beginning with the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run.

Community organizers, law enforcement officers, families, and friends gathered to celebrate and show their support ahead of the weekend’s events. The tradition shines a spotlight on inclusion and unity while building excitement for the games.

“This weekend up at Ohio State is the Ohio Special Olympics State Games. We will be sending 18 athletes from this county up in the sports of athletics and bocce. Athletics is what was traditionally known as track and field. And every year during the opening ceremonies, they light the torch of hope, and law enforcement across the state carries it around to all the counties,” said Carrie Cabeen, Special Olympics coordinator for Muskingum County.

The journey through downtown Zanesville and other locations across the state, known as the Torch Run, represents a show of solidarity between officers and the athletes they support.

“This is just one of 4–5 legs that we have in Ohio and all across the United States that law enforcement supports the Special Olympics of Ohio and their athletes. And you know, we had roughly about 200–300 officers involved just in our leg, so we’re talking Columbus legs and Toledo, and the Cleveland legs of the Law Enforcement Torch Run. There are thousands of law enforcement officers that participate in this and support this community,” said Sgt. Timothy R. Cunningham of the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Cambridge post.

If you’d like to cheer on the athletes, the games run Friday through Sunday, with the opening ceremony kicking off at 7 p.m. at Ohio State Stadium.