Torch Run for Special Olympics Headed from Effingham to State Games

Members of the law enforcement community mingled with members of the Effingham Lightning Special Olympics basketball team Wednesday morning for the departure of the Torch Run for Special Olympics from Effingham for the State Games.

The Torch Run involves legs run from throughout Illinois that end at Hancock Stadium on the campus of Illinois State University. The torches will arrive in Normal on Friday for the torch lighting ceremony that marks the start of the State Games.

Area 9 Special Olympics departed from the Old Courthouse lawn in downtown Effingham, although those gathered paused for a photo at the Veterans Memorial before the departure.

The Special Olympians took care of the torch for the first few blocks of the route, then the law enforcement team took it from there, traveling through Sigel and Neoga to Mattoon, where another crew took over.

The Effingham Walmart was recognized for contributing $2,000 in grant funds toward Special Olympics. Store Manager Bob Lakin said grant funds are available to a variety of helping organizations.