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Photos: See The Special Olympics Torch Make Its Way Through L.A.
Athletes hold the Flame of Hope torch on top of the U.S. Bank Tower (Photo courtesy of OUE Limited)
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.
#SpecialOlympics #guardiansoftheflame #hollywood @CHPsouthern just caught the final leg! @CBSLA pic.twitter.com/ZazcoQFN5G
— JASMINE VIEL (@jasmineviel) July 23, 2015
Whoa there, Venice:
#lapdhq #ReachUpLA #SpecialOlympics #VeniceBeach #Venice @Venice311 pic.twitter.com/Vtj9T9W4Dq
— Blake Chow LAPD Transit Services Bureau (@LAPDBlakechow) July 24, 2015
Boyle Heights hosts Special Olympics ceremony at Mariachi Plaza.. pic.twitter.com/32W7EsGpEv
— Patricia Sandoval (@psandovallapd) July 23, 2015
Even some Minions joined the festivities:
Our motor officers ran into minions at a torch run event in Studio City in support of Special Olympics World Games! pic.twitter.com/QIs7U08C3y
— CHP - West Valley (@CHPWestValley) July 24, 2015
Making a showing at L.A. City Hall today:
@SpecialOlympics and #LAPD building #relationships in support of athletes and the human spirit #flameofhope #LA2015 pic.twitter.com/hBLVRonxSi
— Commander Ruby Flores (@LAPDRuby) July 24, 2015
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
The 2015 Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics comes to Westwood! #ReachUpLA http://t.co/bBGgsseLBg pic.twitter.com/pP2qWHuEUD
— UCLA (@UCLA) July 24, 2015
#Lafdsouth welcomes the #SpecialOlympics athletes and torch to LA. What an honor to be part of this amazing event! pic.twitter.com/tpXa0fjwo0
— LAFD South (@LAFDsouth) July 22, 2015
Bearing the torch in Lincoln Heights yesterday:
What an honor it was to participate in the @SpecialOlympics Torch Run in Lincoln Heights! #SpecialOlympics #LA2015 pic.twitter.com/T26UpKoXWu
— Michael Shull (@LACityParksGM) July 23, 2015
#Lafdsouth welcomes the #SpecialOlympics athletes and torch to LA. What an honor to be part of this amazing event! pic.twitter.com/tpXa0fjwo0
— LAFD South (@LAFDsouth) July 22, 2015
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.