2017 Torch Run for Special Olympics Underway

The 2017 Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois got underway just after 8am Wednesday, headed for the State Games in Normal this weekend.

Special Olympics Illinois provides for a variety of competitions in which those with special needs take part. It's also an opportunity for the athletes to socialize and interact with others.

(THE TORCH RUN UNDERWAY. VARIOUS SPECIAL OLYMPICS ATHLETES HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO CARRY THE TORCH)

The local law enforcement community helps sponsor the Torch Run with several of them taking part in the run. Local State Trooper Ron Will said last year's efforts raised more than $12,000 for Special Olympics Illinois.

The local run, featuring members of the Effingham County Lightning Special Olympics team, is one of several begun throughout the state that will end Friday at Illinois State University in Normal for the State Games. Today's run traveled along Route 45 through Sigel and into Neoga. There, members of the Neoga/Sigel Special Olympics team joined the Torch Run from Casey's to Dollar General.

From Neoga, the team ran the torch to the McDonald's on South Route 45 at Mattoon, a 24.1 mile run from Effingham to Mattoon.

Wednesday afternoon, Mattoon police are running the torch through Mattoon joined by the Mattoon/Charleston Hornets, S.O. Alpha Bears, Camp New Hope and other athletes to Mattoon City Hall. Members of the Coles County Sheriff's Department will take the torch to the Douglas County line. Douglas County Special Olympians will participate in taking the torch through Arcola.