News : Torch Run for Special Olympics to visit Ames July 11

The morning of Sunday, July 11 will be filled with pride, excitement and historic ceremony. This is when the city of Ames and Iowa State University will host the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Final Leg Kickoff Ceremony. The event takes place at the Iowa State Center Courtyard by the Scheman Building in Ames. Breakfast starts at 10 a.m., followed by the official ceremony at 11 a.m. The Lighting of the Flame Ceremony begins the Final Leg as the Flame of Hope ™ is carried by law enforcement officials and Special Olympics athletes to Council Bluffs, Iowa, where the torch crosses into Nebraska. It will make 70 stops across Nebraska during the week before it arrives in Lincoln for the 2010 Special Olympics USA National Games July 18-23.

The public is invited to attend the breakfast and Lighting of the Flame Ceremony. Tickets for the breakfast are five dollars per adult, $10 for families, and children under the age of 12 are free. Interested persons are encouraged to buy their tickets in advance by contacting the Ames Convention and Visitors Bureau at 515-232-4032, Special Olympics Iowa at 515-986-5520 or from any member of the Ames Noon Rotary Club. Tickets will also be available to purchase at the event.

Members of Team Iowa will be present for the ceremony. Team Iowa consists of 86 athletes, 26 coaches and five support staff. They will join nearly 3,000 athletes from across the U.S. later in the week during the National Games in Lincoln. To learn more about the LETR Final Leg, please visit the National Games website at www.2010specialolympics.org/page13233.asp