Wednesday, June 8th, 2016 was the annual Leg 16 Area 9 Law Enforcement Torch Run from Effingham to Mattoon. The run began the week of State Summer Games and from around the State, law enforcement personnel run the Flame of Hope Torch heading to Bloomington/Normal, where the Torch Run culminates with all 18 Area torches being brought together and run into the Opening Games Ceremony and light the Summer Games Cauldron Friday, June 10th.
The run started at the Old Effingham Courthouse with the Illinois State Police and Effingham County Lightning Special Olympics Team kicking off the leg.
The runners stopped at Casey’s General Store in Neoga, IL and met with the Neoga/Sigel Indians Special Olympics Team, who had athletes take turns carrying the torch for a period of time.
The next stop was at the Mattoon McDonald’s where the Illinois State Police District 12 (Effingham) passed the Flame of Hope to the Mattoon Police Department.
The Mattoon Police Department met with the Mattoon/Charleston Hornets Special Olympics Team, who took turns carrying the torch from Cromwell Radio to the Mattoon City Hall.
At Mattoon City Hall, the Coles County Sheriff’s Department received the Flame of Hope and completed the run through Mattoon.