Wyoming Law Enforcement to Carry Flame of Hope

Press Release – Before the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games kick off in Seattle this Sunday, July 1, an elite group of individuals will serve as the “Guardians of the Flame” and escort the Special Olympics Flame of Hope on a journey across Washington State. Casalenda, Wickett and Koritnik are among those who will make up the prestigious “Final Leg” team for the Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) at the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games.

From June 27 through June 30, the LETR Final Leg team will conduct multiple runs and ceremonies in cities, towns and communities across Washington State to raise awareness for Special Olympics and generate excitement for the 2018 USA Games. The 2018 LETR Final Leg culminates on July 1, when the team escorts the Flame of Hope into the Opening Ceremony at Husky Stadium at the University of Washington in Seattle. ESPN, the official media partner of the 2018 USA Games, will telecast the Opening Ceremony live on ABC beginning at 12:30 p.m. PT/3:30 p.m. ET.

Since the first Special Olympics USA Games in 2006, members of law enforcement and Special Olympics athletes from across the United States have carried the Flame of Hope in the LETR Final Leg to usher the start of the national competition.

For more information on the LETR Final Leg schedule including the times and locations of ceremonies along the route, please visit the LETR Final website.  Photos from the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games Law Enforcement Torch Run will be available on the LETR Final Leg website and the 2018 USA Games website.

About Law Enforcement Torch Run

The Law Enforcement Torch Run ® (LETR) is the largest public awareness vehicle and grass-roots fundraiser for Special Olympics. Known honorably as Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the “ Flame of Hope ” into the Opening Ceremony of local competitions, and into Special Olympics State, Provincial, National, Regional and World Games.

Annually, more than 97,000 dedicated and compassionate law enforcement members carry the “Flame of Hope,” symbolizing courage and celebration of diversity uniting communities around the globe. Since inception, LETR has raised more than half a billion dollars and changed millions of attitudes.

About the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games

The 2018 Special Olympics USA Games will be held in Seattle, Washington July 1-6, 2018. More than 4,000 participants representing all 50 states and the District of Columbia, along with the support of tens of thousands of volunteers and spectators, will compete in 14 Olympic-type team and individual sports. The 2018 Special Olympics USA Games will celebrate the Special Olympics movement and its 50th anniversary; promote the ideals of acceptance and inclusion through sport; and showcase athletes from throughout the U.S. and the abilities of people with intellectual disabilities. The 2018 USA Games will also highlight Special Olympics’ work in sport, education, health and community-building. For more information on the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games, please visit www.SpecialOlympicsUSAGames.org.

About Special Olympics Wyoming

Special Olympics Wyoming is a not-for-profit organization providing year-round sports training, athletic competition and other related programs to children and adults with intellectual disabilities; offering them continuing opportunities to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship.  Special Olympics Wyoming changes lives by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect.

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