Special Olympics Unified Relay Across America begins

The Flame of Hope is carried by a group during the first leg of the URAA Central Route in Washington, D.C.

Tuesday morning, in Augusta, Maine, Washington, D.C. and Miami, the Flame of Hope began its three-route trip across the United States in the Special Olympics Unified Relay Across America.

These images, from the kickoff events in Washington and Miami, capture the early moments when torches carrying the Flame began their 46-day journey that will culminate in Los Angeles at the LA2015 Special Olympics World Games (Opening Ceremony, July 25, ESPN). Over the course of the URAA, thousands of participants from all 50 states will run, walk or bike with the torch.

On the National Mall in Washington, D.C., John Newnan, Team Captain for the Final Leg Team and Corey Leonhard, Special Olympics Iowa Athlete and Unified Relay Co-Captain, light the torch that will be carried on the Central Route of the URAA.

(L-R): Special Olympics Florida (SOFL) Unified Partner Andrew Savysky, SOFL athlete Nasif Ali, and David Samson, President of the Miami Marlins, carry the Flame of Hope as the Southern Route of the URAA begins.