Join Special Olympics Illinois on June 13 as they celebrate their Unified Relay Across America participants, 2015 World Games athletes, and the arrival of the Flame of Hope. Celebrate as they build towards a community of inclusion, respect and happiness. Enjoy live music and the opportunity to participate alongside their athletes in Unified soccer and bocce demonstrations.
The Special Olympics Unified Relay Across America, presented by Bank of America, is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for America to unite and build communities of respect and inclusion. Over the course of 46 days, in a hand-to-hand exchange, people throughout the nation will carry the Special Olympics Flame of Hope across the country and deliver it to Los Angeles for the Special Olympics World Games.
The Unified Relay is a historic event with three simultaneous torch run routes, which will cover all 50 states. Composed of runners, walkers and bikers – teams will be cheered on by millions of spectators, both locally and virtually, with special guest appearances from major music and sports celebrities, along with Special Olympics athletes, who will also serve as honorary team captains. Together, we will generate an unprecedented amount of exposure and awareness, raise critical funds on behalf of the Special Olympics movement and drive social inclusion of all individuals across the United States. Anyone can be a torchbearer! Participate in this once-in-a-lifetime event as it passes through Illinois by registering for a segment of the route. You can raise money to run, walk, jog or roll (skateboard, rollerblade or wheelchair) in a ½ mile segment or cycle in a 5 mile segment.
The Special Olympics Unified Relay Across America will begin on May 26, where the Flame of Hope (delivered from Athens, Greece) will be split into three simultaneous routes. Each flame will start its individual journey along one of these three routes (North, Central, South), traveling west through all 50 states to unite in Los Angeles for the Special Olympics World Games. Join this historic event as a torchbearer when the Unified Relay passes through Illinois.
The Unified Relay is the largest grassroots initiative in the history of Special Olympics. Together, we will generate an unmatched amount of awareness, raise critical funds on behalf of the entire Special Olympics movement and unite the country behind acceptance and respect for all.
There is a minimum team fundraising requirement of $1,000 for a regular segment and $2,500 for a premium segment (premium segments include a notable landmark, tourist attraction, historical park, high population area, etc.). Teams of 1 to 15 people have the opportunity to carry the Flame of Hope, delivered all the way to the United States from Athens, Greece. You and your team (up to 15 people total) can participate in a segment in two ways: Run, walk, jog or roll (skateboard, rollerblade or wheelchair) in a ½ mile segment; or cycle in a 5 mile segment. Not only is the Flame of Hope a beacon to unite communities in acceptance, but let’s face it – this one-of-a-kind torch is awesome! Every Unified Relay Team has the opportunity to take home the very torch they proudly carry during the event. If your team raises $1,500 for a regular segment, you will keep the torch you carried during your run/walk/jog/roll/cycle. If your team raises $2,500 for a premium segment, your team will automatically receive the torch your team carried. Additionally, you can earn another torch by raising an additional $1,500.
