Each year, local law enforcement officers run the ceremonial torch across the state to kick off the games.
The officers all had slightly different reasons for doing so, but the common theme is that they want to raise awareness, and ultimately money, for Special Olympics.
โI run because itโs healthy; itโs fun," said Special Olympics athlete Erica Bookout.
โItโs just been a goal of our police department to always support athletes and Special Olympics,โ said Nathan Delp, Christiansburg Police Department investigator.
The goal of this yearโs virtual run is for everyone participating to collectively run 1,900 miles, the distance of the traditional torch run, between June 8 and June 12.