Local Students Carry Special Olympics Flame of Hope

The Special Olympics World Games Flame of Hope Torch is coming through Charlotte June 4 on its way to the 2015 Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles later this summer. The relay is a fundraiser that benefits the Special Olympics and includes public participation. Teams of 15 were formed to run, walk, skate or bike a segment of the torches coming through Charlotte.

Two teams – the Metro Tigers and Smith Family Center – from Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools are carrying the Special Olympics Flame of Hope through Charlotte. The Metro School team includes three of the school’s Special Olympians and staff members. The team has raised $1,625. The Smith Family Center team includes a Special Olympian from Highland Renaissance Academy, a student from Park Road Montessori, parents, Exceptional Children staff and a Special Olympics USA coach. The team has raised $3,520 and is the first out of 106 fundraising teams in North Carolina, according to Vanessa Infanzon, one of the team member’s parents. All teams that raise more than $1,500 get to keep the torch they carry.

The public is encouraged to cheer on the teams as they carry the torch through town June 4 on the way to the NASCAR Hall of Fame where a community celebration is scheduled. The Metro Tigers relay will pass by the corner of North Tryon Street and Ken Hoffman Drive in the University area at 3:57 p.m. The Smith Family Center team relay at 5:04 p.m. at The Plaza and Parkwood Avenue. The celebration at the NASCAR Hall of Fame takes place from 5-6:30 p.m. The Flame of Hope arrives at the NASCAR Hall of Fame at 6:05 p.m., followed by a brief program that includes speakers Keith Fishburne, Special Olympics NC President/CEO. Alternative Rock Band Falling Through April and Charlotte singer Taylor Centers are performing at the celebration. Anyone is welcome to attend.

The torch was lit in Athens, Greece in May and then made its transatlantic journey to the United States. The Flame of Hope is visiting communities in all 50 states as part of the Unified Relay Across America, thanks to the Unified Relay Across America presented by Bank of America.