Flame of Hope From Athens, Greece to Pass Through Grand Junction

The Flame of Hope, on a trek from Athens, Greece to Los Angeles for the 2015 Special Olympics World Games will pass through Grand Junction on Wednesday, July 1st.

Some 7,000 athletes from 177 countries will compete in 27 sports beginning July 25th in Los Angeles. This will be the first time in 16 years the World Summer Games have been held in the United States.

The Grand Junction Police Department is a registered team in the Unified Relay Across America, which is delivering the torch from Athens to  Los Angeles. Employees of the GJPD will help the flame along it's way next Wednesday.

The local event will take place July 1st at 7:14am along Ute Avenue beginning at 9th Street. The GJPD torch-bearers will be escorted by a convoy as they run a 1/2 mile leg. It is hoped that a large number of community members will come out to watch and support the Grand Junction Police and the Special Olympics.

The Grand Junction Police Department has raised $1500 for the cause, and a Special Olympics torch is displayed in their building. Anyone who wants to contribute to their effort can make an on-line donation.