The Special Olympics "Flame of Hope" will be lit by the rays of the sun on 5 September, 2010 in a traditional ceremony in Alexandroupolis, Greece.
From there, nine law enforcement officers will be joined by Special Olympics athletes and other law enforcement officers, volunteers and partners as they carry the "Flame of Hope" in a series of relays through eight European countries - Greece, Turkey, Slovenia, Gibraltar, Luxembourg, France, Great Britain, Belgium, and Poland.
A 'Welcoming the Flame of Hope' ceremony will take place in the capital city of each country for people to open their arms and hearts to the Torch Run team while paying tribute to Special Olympics athletes from their community who will compete in the 2010 European Games. We expect some celebrities to turn out also to run with the Torch in their capital city!
On 15 September the LETR team will be met by members of the Polish police force (Policja) who will help carry the "Flame of Hope" through more than the 50 communities in Poland hosting Special Olympics athletes ahead of the Games.
Then on 18 September the "Flame of Hope" will finally be brought into Legia Stadium in Warsaw, Poland to light the cauldron at the 2010 Special Olympics European Games opening ceremonies.
The 2010 European Games will take place from September 18 - 24 with 1,600 athletes from 57 coutnries competing in ten Olympic type sports and supported by thousands of spectators and coaches.
Wear the Laces
The Wear the Laces campaign will be launched during the 2010 LETR, when fans of the Special Olympics movement will be asked to show their support by purchasing specially designed shoe laces.
Join in the LETR!
Community leaders, law enforcement officers, corporate sponsors, civic groups, schools and the public are all welcome to join the run in their city, and share the spirit of Special Olympics.