Flame of Hope Week event in Escanaba
Local law enforcement and community gather support for Special Olympics Michigan
Local law enforcement and community embers walked to support and raise awareness for the Special Olympics. (Liam Houston | Daily Press)
Participants in the Flame of Hope Week event in Escanaba gathered for a group photo before the run. (Liam Houston | Daily Press)
Two MSP patrol cars led the group running in the event. (Liam Houston | Daily Press)
A Escanaba fire truck guided those wlaking along the route of the event. (Liam Houston | Daily Press)
Local law enforcement and community embers walked to support and raise awareness for the Special Olympics. (Liam Houston | Daily Press)
Participants in the Flame of Hope Week event in Escanaba gathered for a group photo before the run. (Liam Houston | Daily Press)
Two MSP patrol cars led the group running in the event. (Liam Houston | Daily Press)
A Escanaba fire truck guided those wlaking along the route of the event. (Liam Houston | Daily Press)
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ESCANABA -- Local law enforcement and community members gathered Thursday afternoon for the Escanaba Flame of Hope Week community walk/run, a local event held as part of the statewide Flame of Hope Week events supporting Special Olympics Michigan.
The event has been hosted by Escanaba Public Safety for many years to raise funds for the organization. All proceeds from registration fees and donations directly support Special Olympics athletes across the state.
"We are very impressed with the turnout this year," said Officer Madison Draze, who took over organizing the event this year.
Participants met at the Karas Bandshell in Ludington Park at 5:30 p.m. before splitting into running and walking groups at 6 p.m.
State and local law enforcement and fire department vehicles guided participants along the route, which looped around Ludington park, with members of law enforcement also joining in the run and walk.
Similar community events took place across the state this week as part of the larger Flame of Hope week, which coincides with the Law Enforcement Torch Run. The LETR is a statewide relay that carries the Special Olympics USA Games “Flame of Hope” torch 750 miles continuously from Copper Harbor down to Belle Isle in Detroit.
The torch arrived at its Belle Isle destination yesterday around noon.
Although Flame of Hope Week has concluded, those that want to show support, learn more about or make donations to the Special Olympics can do so by visiting flameofhopemi.org. More information on the LETR can be found at letr.org.