'It just makes my heart happy': Special Olympic athletes kick off summer games with Torch Run

TOPEKA (KSNT) - Local athletes are carrying the symbolic torch to kick things off ahead of the Summer Special Olympic Games in Kansas.

The torch symbolizes courage, diversity and uniting communities everywhere. Local law enforcement ran alongside athletes participating in next week's Special Olympic Summer Games.

27 News spoke with Bekah Henderson, an athlete participating in the run.

"It just makes my heart happy," Henderson said. "I know it makes their hearts happy to connect. It's awesome just meeting new friends from different parts of Kansas."

The torch run started in Kansas in 1981 when Wichita Police Chief Richard LaMunyon created it. It's since grown into a global effort to support Special Olympics.

"I really do think that when we talk about inclusion, there's such a big bridge already," said Event Coordinator Katelyn Andrist. "To have a non-profit, plus different departments and organizations come together, that's just creating such a bigger impact and awareness that at the end of the day, it's not just inclusion or a conversation, but it's a lifestyle."

The state track and field games start in Wichita next Friday, June 6. For more information about the games, click here.

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