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LUDINGTON — Ludington will be among communities across Michigan taking part in Flame of Hope Week when a Community Run benefiting Special Olympics Michigan is held Wednesday, Sept. 16.
Registration will begin at 5:30 p.m. at Waterfront Park, with the run beginning at 6 p.m. The event will start and finish at the park. The Ludington event is open to law enforcement officers, Special Olympics athletes and members of the community.
Flame of Hope Week is an annual statewide fundraising and awareness initiative of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Michigan. Law enforcement and corrections personnel, athletes and civilians participate in events across the state while carrying the Flame of Hope.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run has two primary goals: raising money for Special Olympics and increasing awareness of the athletes who participate in Special Olympics Michigan. Organizers say funds raised through Michigan’s Law Enforcement Torch Run go back to athletes and help cover registration costs for regional and statewide competitions.
Community Runs are held throughout Michigan during Flame of Hope Week, bringing law enforcement officers, athletes and residents together to carry the torch through their communities. Organizers emphasize that the events are inclusive and open to runners and walkers of all abilities.
Another major part of Flame of Hope Week is the Central Route, which carries the torch across Michigan with teams representing the Fraternal Order of Police, Michigan Department of Corrections and Michigan State Police. The route begins in Copper Harbor and continues south toward Detroit over four days, with teams running relay-style around the clock.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run has supported Special Olympics for decades and has grown into the organization’s largest grassroots fundraising movement worldwide. In Michigan, the program raises more than $2 million annually, according to Flame of Hope organizers.
Registration for the Ludington Community Run and other Flame of Hope events is available through the Flame of Hope website at flameofhopemi.org/locations.
Those who would like to support Special Olympics Michigan through the Ludington event may also make a donation online.
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