Temple police and student athletes gathered at Temple's Wildcat Stadium Tuesday morning for the annual “Flame of Hope” Torch Run in support of the Texas Special Olympics Summer Games.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run pairs police and Special Olympics athletes, known honorably as the Guardians of the Flame, to honor the spirit of and raise awareness of the games. Over 97,000 law enforcement members carry the “Flame of Hope" each year, symbolizing courage and the celebration of compassion and inclusion around the world.

Temple officers ran laps with young athletes at Wildcat Stadium before heading to 31st Street for a run from the stadium to the Avenue T Church of Christ.

This year marks the Special Olympics of Texas' 50th year. The games will be hosted by Morgan's Wonderland in San Antonio - the world's first all-inclusive theme park and water park designed for individuals of all abilities. The games begin Thursday, May 2 and run through Sunday, May 5.

For more information about the Special Olympics of Texas, check out their website at sotx.org.

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