Torch run passing through area

SANDPOINT — The Special Olympics Flame of Hope will pass through the community Thursday on the final leg of its 37,000-mile trip to Boise for the opening ceremony of the 2009 Winter World Games.

The flame began in Athens, Greece, last November and has since traveled as part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run through five continents.

Carried by an international team of approximately 130 members, including law enforcement officers, Special Olympic athletes and support team members, the torch run gives communities a chance to come out and cheer on athletes as they prepare for the challenge of the games.

Sandpoint Police Chief Mark Lockwood called the torch run "priceless" and said it would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

"To be part of the International World Games for Special Olympics is fantastic," he said. "To have it here and have the torch pass through Sandpoint and have a ceremony for that says a lot about our community."

After entering Sandpoint at approximately 3:30 p.m. at Jack in the Box Restaurant on Fifth Avenue, the runners will head south on U.S. 95, then  west onto Highway 200 until they reach Olive Avenue. Traveling north, runners will take Olive to Lake Street, where they will complete their run at Sandpoint City Hall at about 4:10 p.m.

An official torch run ceremony at the Sandpoint Police Department will begin once the runners arrive. All community members are encouraged to attend the ceremony.

Given the significance of the torch run, Lockwood is asking area residents to brave the cold for a few minutes to show support for the Olympians and law enforcement agents by cheering for them during the run.

"We'd love to line the streets just cheering these guys on," Lockwood said. "The heart and soul of these special Olympians is amazing, you just can't get that anywhere else."

The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce will host a noon meeting today at Sandpoint City Hall for residents who would like to participate in Thursday's  event. Amy Little, executive director of the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce, said the meeting will help coordinate efforts for the torch run and rally community support of the Olympians.