(Undated) – The Special Olympics Torch that made its way through Crawford County Monday will begin the next leg of its journey today. Jasper County authorities handed off the “Flame of Hope” yesterday around 11:30 am, to officers in Effingham. This morning runners will begin the 16th of the 23 legs of the Torch Run. The torch will travel from Effingham to Mattoon today. According to officials with the Special Olympics, the “Law Enforcement Torch Run” is the largest public awareness vehicle and grass-roots fundraiser for Special Olympics. Approximately 3,000 officers carry the “Flame of Hope” the nearly 1,500 miles, through thousands of Illinois communities via 23 different legs to the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics Illinois Summer Games. Opening Ceremonies will be held this Friday in Normal.
