Police officers from all over the state of Arkansas carried the "Flame of Hope" in their respective cities cities. Dale Young, David Fielding, Ernesto Echevarria, Frank Echevarria and Ryne Shelton were the local officers that participated in the run. They met at the Rainbow of Challenge admin building to hand the torch off to Prescott for their own torch run.

"The iconic Flame will makes its way to Little Rock," Camie Powell, Director of Marketing and Partnerships for the Special Olympics Arkansas, said. "During a press conference on Thursday June 17 on the Capitol Steps at 9:30am the four flames from all corners of the state will come together to form the Final Leg Torch. Officers will make their way to Searcy to run the Flame of Hope in to Opening Ceremonies."

The Special Olympics Arkansas has provided and continues to provide opportunities for more than 19,500 athletes and 16,000 volunteers with disabilities across all counties in Arkansas.

"Special Olympics Arkansas is an organization that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sport, everyday around the state," Powell said. "Through programming in sports, health, education and community building, Special Olympics Arkansas is changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, solving the global injustice, isolation, intolerance and inactivity they face."

The Arkansas Special Olympics will be held Thursday June 24 and 25 at Harding University.

Photos by Jordan Woodson