Hibbing Hosts National Special Olympics Athletes for Torch Run Ceremony
The Special Olympics torch, known as the Flame of Hope, is making a cross-country trek. The journey started on May 29 on both the east and west coasts and has been stopping at cities across the country. Both legs of the three-week journey are converging in Minnesota this week, the host state of the 2026 “Final Leg” of the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
Wednesday morning in Hibbing marked one of twelve stops in the torches’ Minnesota journey. It consisted of a two-mile run from the mine view to the Hibbing Memorial Building. Runners were escorted by members of the Hibbing Police and Fire Departments as well as the St. Louis County Sheriff’s Department. Athletes were welcomed by cheering crowds, members of the local Hibbing-Chisholm Rangers Special Olympics team, and the Hibbing High School marching band.
A welcome ceremony consisting of remarks from Hibbing Mayor Pete Hyduke, Hibbing Police Chief Steve Estey and St. Louis County Sheriff Gordon Ramsey was followed by an exchange of gifts between local law enforcement and the Special Olympics athletes.
Following Wednesday’s program, the torch runners lined up for a ceremonial run out of the city before boarding their bus to travel to their next stop in Brainerd.
The Minnesota tour started Tuesday in Duluth and is traveling through Brainerd, Alexandria, Watertown, Rochester, Red Wing, Bloomington, Stillwater, St. Paul, as well as Hibbing, before delivering the flame to the Special Olympics’ two host sites in Blaine and Minneapolis in time for Saturday’s opening ceremonies.
The “Final Leg” segment of the torch run is a long-standing tradition between the Special Olympics and law enforcement, and occurs before high-profile events such as this week’s week-long games in Minneapolis. The torch run tradition brings together law enforcement officers and Special Olympics athletes, running side by side, carrying the Flame of Hope across cities, towns, and landmarks to raise awareness and create excitement for the Special Olympics Games. 2026 marks the first year the journey has been carried out coast to coast.
The Special Olympics was started by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, sister of U.S. President John F. Kennedy in 1962 and has since grown across 200 countries with more than 5.3 million participants.
Minneapolis is hosting this year’s games starting June 20 and running through June 26. More than 3000 athletes from all 50 states will take part in this year’s competition at the University of Minnesota and the National Sports Center in Blaine. An estimated 10,000 volunteers are coming together in support of the event.
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