ABOUT THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS 2003

The Flame of Hope Torch

The Special Olympics Torch Run will begin its journey over 5,500 miles away in Athens, Greece by a relay of police officers and Special Olympic athletes, where the Flame of Hope is used to ignite the cauldron in Croke Park on the 21st of June for the opening ceremony of the 2003 Special Olympics Games.

This Torch Run takes place in over 30 countries worldwide.

There will be 100 police officers and 10 Special Olympics athletes participating in the run representing Ireland, USA, countries in Europe and the rest of the world. These participants will have previously taken part in a Torch Run in their own country.

The Torch Run's Final Leg Team is divided into 3 teams who will carry the torch across Europe where it will arrive at Bangor, Co Down on June 13th. The torch will then be carried around Ireland where the team will be joined by members of the Police Service of Northern Ireland and the Garda Síochána.

The final leg team will then carry the Flame of Hope to Croke Park on June 21st where it will be handed over to a Special Olympics athlete who will light the cauldron marking the opening of the Games.