Posted June 02, 2026 in Press Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
Seth Freeman, Vice President Marketing & Communications, Special Olympics Ohio
sfreeman@sooh.org, 404.263.2374
Chris Lewis, Director of Marketing & Communications, Greater Cleveland Sports Commission
clewis@clevelandsports.org, 216.479.6399
Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics Final Leg Brings the Flame of Hope® to Cleveland on the Road to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games
Community Invited to Celebrate Local Torch Bearers at Public Square as Flame Passes Iconic Cleveland Landmarks and Sport Venues
Cleveland, June 2nd, 2026 – The Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) Final Leg for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, sponsored by Jersey Mike’s Subs, will bring the Flame of Hope® through Cleveland on Thursday, June 11, 2026. This historic, coast-to-coast journey unites law enforcement and athletes as they head toward Minnesota, where 3,000 competitors, including 59 from Ohio, will participate in 16 Olympic-style sports from June 20-26, 2026. In passing through Cleveland, the Torch Run represents a shared commitment to building communities where every athlete is seen, valued, and empowered to shine.
The LETR Final Leg serves as the ultimate countdown to the USA Games, spanning May 29 – June 20, 2026. The Flame of Hope® will be carried from Chicago, the birthplace of Special Olympics and travel along two parallel routes across the East Coast and West/Central regions, before converging in Minnesota.
This historic route makes its impact in Cleveland, showcasing the city’s vibrant civic and sports landscape. Starting at 10:15 a.m. from Voinovich Park, torch bearers will travel past iconic downtown landmarks, including Huntington Bank Field, Progressive Field, Rocket Arena, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Great Lakes Science Center and Cleveland City Hall. Notably, the route will also highlight several future 2030 Special Olympics USA Games host venues and more, offering a sneak peek into the city’s sporting future.
The Cleveland leg of the run will culminate in a community celebration at Public Square at approximately 11 a.m. The free public event will feature local speakers, a lineup of popular area food trucks and live music to honor the arriving torch bearers and athletes. The celebratory milestone serves as a perfect prelude to the region’s future hosting duties, as Cleveland prepares to serve as the host city for the 2030 Special Olympics USA Games.
Among those carrying the torch are the local law enforcement officers and Special Olympics athletes selected to represent Cleveland in this iconic LETR. This opportunity is awarded to a limited number of athletes and law enforcement officials nominated by their local Programs for their profound dedication to Special Olympics and leadership within the LETR movement.
“It’s an honor for Cleveland to be part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run’s Final Leg to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games,” said Jessica Stewart, President and CEO of Special Olympics Ohio. “This Torch Run represents the strong partnership between law enforcement and Special Olympics athletes, and it sends a clear message that inclusion belongs in every community. We encourage everyone to come out, cheer, and celebrate the athletes who inspire us all.”
“Welcoming the Flame of Hope to Cleveland is an incredible privilege that underscores our community’s deep commitment to inclusion, unity and the power of sport,” said David Gilbert, President and CEO of Greater Cleveland Sports Commission. “As Cleveland looks forward to welcoming the 2030 Special Olympics USA Games, being part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run allows the local community to experience the inspiring energy firsthand here in the heart of downtown at Public Square.”
Today, Special Olympics Ohio is proud to announce and recognize the law enforcement officer selected to run from New Jersey all the way to the Opening Ceremonies in Minneapolis. Josh Davenport is a dedicated law enforcement professional with the Brunswick Police Department. Josh is recognized for his longstanding commitment to Special Olympics and the Law Enforcement Torch Run. Known for his leadership, community service, and passion for inclusion, Davenport proudly supports Special Olympics athletes on and off the field.
Community members are invited to attend and cheer on Torch Run participants as the Flame of Hope® travels through Cleveland on its way to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.
Along the way, the Flame of Hope® will be carried through 13 states, across all time zones, and will cover approximately 10,000 miles. The Torch Run will feature a national team of 73 participants, including 53 law enforcement officers and six Special Olympics athletes.
The LETR Final Leg will culminate on June 20, 2026, at Huntington Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus, where the Flame of Hope® will ignite the cauldron and officially open the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.
Supporters can follow the Flame of Hope®’s journey in real-time through an interactive route tracker with local ceremony details available at 2026specialolympicsusagames.org and follow @2026USAGames on social media for the latest updates. Community members, organizations, and fans can also join the movement by signing up to volunteer for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, and staying connected as the countdown continues.
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About Special Olympics USA Games
The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games – scheduled for June 20-26, 2026, across Minnesota’s Twin Cities with sports competitions at the University of Minnesota and the National Sports Center in Blaine – is a national celebration of inclusivity, changing perceptions and the ability of the human spirit rising above limitations. The USA Games, with co-presenting partners Jersey Mike’s Subs and UnitedHealthcare, will be one of the biggest U.S. sporting events of the year, drawing tens of thousands of fans to celebrate the ability of nearly 3,000 incredible athletes from all 50 states as they compete in 16 Olympic-type team and individual sports. As a state with a long history of championing inclusion, the USA Games now bring an unrivaled opportunity to Minnesota to spark new energy around the Special Olympics movement and create a lasting legacy of positive change.
About the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics
The Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics is the largest public awareness and grassroots fundraising movement for Special Olympics, engaging law enforcement worldwide to champion acceptance and inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
About Special Olympics Ohio
Special Olympics Ohio is part of the global inclusion movement using sport, health, education, and leadership programs to empower people with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics Ohio provides year-round sports training and competition in 19 different sports for 20,000 children and adults, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.
About Greater Cleveland Sports Commission
Since 2000, Greater Cleveland Sports Commission (GCSC) is responsible for attracting 280+ sporting events which provide more than $1.4 billion in economic activity to Northeast Ohio. GCSC serves to measurably improve the economy of Greater Cleveland and enrich the community by attracting, creating, managing and enhancing significant sporting and competitive events. For more information, visit clevelandsports.org