Law enforcement officers will once again run across Connecticut carrying the “Flame of Hope” to honor Special Olympics athletes and promote acceptance and inclusion for people of all abilities during the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Connecticut.

The 2026 Torch Run will take place Wednesday through Friday, June 3-5. One leg will again pass through Newtown.

Participants will include officers from municipal departments and correctional facilities, military police, federal employees, Connecticut State Police, and college and university public safety officers. Special Olympics athletes will also participate in some communities.

One torch is expected to arrive in Newtown around 11:30 Friday morning. Note all times are estimates and may be affected by weather, road conditions, and other conditions.

The torch will arrive by way of Route 302 from Bethel, heading toward a group waiting in front of the Dodgingtown firehouse at 57 Dodgingtown Road. The group will then make its way to Sugar Street, Glover Avenue, Queen Street, and then Church Hill Road, completing its leg in the parking lot of Blue Colony Diner at 66 Church Hill Road. Organizers expect the torch to arrive at the diner around 12:26 pm.

The public is invited to cheer along any section of its route.

Traffic will be affected as the torch passes along its route. Vehicles will not be allowed to drive around the runners or their accompanying vehicles. Those planning to be in the area during the times outlined above should plan accordingly.

The final leg and lighting of the cauldron with the torch’s “Flame of Hope” will take place at Southern Connecticut State University's Jess Dow Field during the Special Olympics Connecticut Summer Games Opening Ceremony on Friday, June 5. The Opening Ceremony will begin at 7 pm and the event is free and open to the public.

During Summer Games weekend, June 5-7, athletes of all abilities will compete in swimming, soccer, track & field, tennis, and cycling at Southern Connecticut State University and additional venues in New Haven County. All events are free and open to the public.

For more information, visit soct.org; e-mail specialolympicsct@soct.org or call 203-230-1201; or find Special Olympics Connecticut and Connecticut Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics on Facebook and Instagram.