The Law Enforcement Special Olympics Torch Run athletes will race through the Gem State starting May 11, bringing the torch to St. Anthony on May 19 before starting their games May 29 in Nampa.

During its recent meeting, the St. Anthony City Council approved Special Olympics participants to carry the torch through town.

“The council thought it was a great idea,” said City Councilman Rod Nichols. “It’s local people that will carry the torch. They wanted permission to block off some of the streets so athletes can carry those torches through town.”

Plans call to have the athletes peruse through downtown St. Anthony and to end at the “Excellence in Everyone” facility located at 49 W 1st North, he said.

“We voted unanimously ‘yes,’” Nicoles said. “The police could shut off whatever streets necessary to accommodate that torch carrying for the Special Olympics.”

St. Anthony police will oversee the event. Once at the Excellence in Everyone facility, the torch will be handed off to Rexburg athletes and from there to Rigby participants.

The torch passing is more than just a run, says the Special Olympics on its webpage.

“It’s a movement of law enforcement officers and community partners who champion inclusion and respect for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Across Idaho, officers carry the Flame of Hope to raise awareness and funds that empower Special Olympics athletes year-round,” it reported.

A law enforcement official referred to as “Sheriff Donahue” is credited as the “most visible champion” of the torch run, the webpage said.

“(It’s) uniting officers, athletes, and citizens in a shared commitment to dignity and opportunity,” it said. “Whether carrying the torch through our communities or standing alongside athletes at competition, Sheriff Donahue reminds us that courage, friendship, and inclusion light the way forward. Every mile, every torch, and every handshake represents a promise — that our communities stand together for a world where everyone belongs.”

The Special Olympics Torch Run starts May 11 in Bonners Ferry and will continue to Sandpoint and then to Rathdrum. The following day, athletes will carry the torch through Coeur d’Alene and Shoshone County. On May 13 participants will run through Moscow where the torch will be handed off to athletes in Lewiston/Lapwai. On May 19, the torch comes to the Upper Valley followed the next day by Idaho Falls, Shelley, Fort Hall and Pocatello. On May 22, the athletes will run through Kimberly, Jerome, and Twin Falls. The following Monday they will race through Mountain Home followed by Ada County on May 27. On May 29, participants will run through Canyon County, followed by Caldwell and then off to their final leg in Nampa where the Olympics will be held May 29.

The Special Olympics webpage reports it works with more than 1,000 special needs sportspersons each year.

“We serve over 1,500 athletes annually in every corner of the state,” it said. “With the support of volunteers, families, and partners, we’re creating a more connected, accessible, and compassionate Idaho — where everyone belongs.”

For more information on the torch passing visit https://www.specialolympicsidaho.org/letr-home.