Special Olympics Torch Run Coming Through Effingham

The Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Illinois started last week as Law Enforcement Officers, Troopers, and personnel from around the State run the Flame of Hope to Bloomington/Normal culminating at the Opening Ceremony of State Summer Games Friday, June 15th, at Illinois State University.  

The torch will arrive in Effingham Today at approximately 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. from Jasper county along Route 33 to the old courthouse. 
Wednesday morning Illinois State Police Department District 12 and Law Enforcement of Effingham County will meet with the Effingham County Lightning Special Olympics team and other local Special Olympics athletes for a picture at 7:45 a.m. on the southwest corner of the old courthouse square. 

Following the picture, the Flame of Hope will continue it's trek starting at 8:00 a.m. in the hands of area special olympic athletes, from the corner of Jefferson and Fourth Street, up Third Street to St. Anthony Elementary. 

The community is encouraged to step onto the sidewalk in downtown Effingham along the route at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday. 

The Law Enforcement team will carry the Flame on-ward to Neoga. Once the Law Enforcement Torch Run team arrives in Neoga, the Neoga/Sigel Indians Special Olympics team will join in the Torch Run starting at Casey’s General Store. The Athletes and their coaches take turns carrying the Flame of Hope for the blocks between Casey’s General Store and the Dollar General in Neoga.  

Finally, the Torch will arrive at the Mattoon City Hall at approximately 3:00pm, where the Coles County Sheriff’s Department will take over to run the Flame of Hope through the 13.3 mile duration of Coles County, north on Rt. 45.