Special Olympics 2022 USA Games Torch Set to Pass Through Downtown Manhattan

On your mark, get set, go! Head to Downtown Manhattan on Tuesday, May 24, to see the start of something amazing: The Special Olympics torch, also known as the “Flame of Hope,” en route to the big games in Florida! 

Special Olympics New York officials will welcome approximately 100 national officials, athletes and law enforcement personnel to downtown Manhattan Tuesday morning, as the 2022 USA Games torch makes its way through New York as part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.  This is all being done before lighting the cauldron during Opening Ceremonies at Disney World in Orlando June 5—and you're invited to see it on its journey! 

The 2022 Special Olympics USA Games Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is a multi-state, two-week tour that began in Chicago, IL, on May 20. Guardians of the “Flame of Hope” are  primarily members of law enforcement and Special Olympics athletes. They've been carrying the iconic torch to major cities throughout the country leading up to the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games taking place in Orlando, FL, June 5-12.

After a brief welcome ceremony in Park Row Plaza Tuesday morning, runners will carry the Flame of Hope through the streets of downtown Manhattan to the 9/11 Memorial. The best places to see the group run by are at the starting and ending points of the 1.5 mile route. 

This year, the Special Olympics New York Games delegation will include nearly 200 athletes and coaches competing in 14 sports: Basketball, bocce, bowling, equestrian, golf, gymnastics, powerlifting, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, triathlon, track and field, and volleyball. More than 5,500 athletes and coaches from all 50 states will compete in the USA Games next month.