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Arts & Entertainment

Photos: See The Special Olympics Torch Make Its Way Through L.A.

USBT Torch Stop 1.jpg
Athletes hold the Flame of Hope torch on top of the U.S. Bank Tower (Photo courtesy of OUE Limited)

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The Special Olympics torch relay made appearances all around Los Angeles this week before heading to the opening ceremonies tat the L.A. Coliseum tomorrow.

Despite some logistical bumps earlier this week, the final leg of the Flame of Hope relay went smoothly as athletes carried the torch around L.A. this week. Three teams—which also included support teams and law enforcement officials—carried three torches for the citywide celebration in order to cover routes through each of the city's 15 council districts. From San Pedro to Hollywood, Venice to Downtown, the teams helped to raise money and build awareness for the Special Olympics as part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

The flame-bearing fundraiser traveled to many of L.A.'s iconic locations, including the Capitol Records building, the Biltmore Hotel and San Pedro's Korean Bell. Some participants even took the torch way up on top of the U.S. Bank Tower today, though, unfortunately, the observation deck isn't there yet.


Athletes carrying the torch at the Korean Bell of Friendship in San Pedro (via Facebook)
The original torch for the games was lit in Athens back in May, followed by three other torches that ignited in Maine, Florida and Washington, D.C. Those torches then traveled across the country for the first ever Special Olympics United Relay Across America. All three legs eventually came together at the Bank of America Plaza in Downtown L.A. to light the Special Olympics caldron.

Check out more photos and videos below of the journey taken this week by the athletes and the torch to kick off the games tomorrow.

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Whoa there, Venice:

Even some Minions joined the festivities:

Making a showing at L.A. City Hall today:

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Swinging through the mall in San Fernando Valley earlier in the week:

Special Olympics Torch running through our San Fernando Mall!

Posted by Adventure Playhouse on Wednesday, July 22, 2015


Bearing the torch in Lincoln Heights yesterday:

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Over 6,500 athletes from 165 countries are arriving in Los Angeles this week to compete in the Special Olympics. Opening ceremonies will take place at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum this Saturday, and athletes will then be competing in 25 different sports at venues throughout Los Angeles, including USC and UCLA.

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