Thursday, February 05, 2009

2,000 of athletes from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. The 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games begin in Boise.

Yesterday, the Special Olympics Flame of Hope arrived here in Boise.

The flame has toured the state since arriving in Idaho last week, with visits to 57 cities big and small in all corners of the state.

Runners from law enforcement agencies from all 50 states and around the world have carried the Flame of Hope. They have been joined by a handful of Special Olympics athletes.

The torch was lit in Athens, Greece back in November. From there, the Flame of Hope traveled around the world for three months making stops in several countries.

The torch arrived in Idaho on January 29.

Its first stop was in Coeur d' Alene where the law enforcement torch run began.

On that day about 120 officers took part in several events, which included a boat launch and a short ceremony at the Coeur d’Alene public library.

The torch then made its way to Lewiston.

On January 30, it also made stops in Rathdrum, Moscow, Worley and Post Falls.

Earlier this week, the torch was in the Idaho Falls area -- making its way through several towns there.

And just two days ago, the torch was carried through Twin Falls.

And finally before arriving in Boise it made its way through the streets of Sun Valley.

Local law enforcement officers and 10 Special Olympics athletes carried the torch from the Boise Depot down Capitol Boulevard Wednesday afternoon to Boise City Hall.

It's arrival in Idaho's Capitol City was marked by a special ceremony at Boise City Hall featuring First Lady Lori Otter and Mayor Dave Bieter. Otter was presented with one of the 16 torches used in the run across the state before the flame begins its final trek to various Treasure Valley locations.

The games are expected to draw more than 2,000 athletes from more than 100 countries around the world. We're among the supporters, along with 9 other friends visiting us from Chicago.








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