Special Olympics flame continuing journey from Greece to L.A.

The Special Olympics Flame of Hope is continuing its long, arduous journey from Greece to the World Games in Los Angeles via a relay that will pass through all fifty states. Special Olympics Unified Relay Across America commenced today from Augusta, Maine; Miami, Florida and D.C. During Tuesday’s cauldron-lighting ceremony on the grounds of the Washington Monument, supporters stated that the flame symbolizes the hope that all people with intellectual handicaps can be embraced and respected in an all-inclusive society. The Special Olympics World Games starts on July 25. More than 7,000 athletes from one hundred seventy countries around the world will participate in the event.