The 45th annual Torch Run for Special Olympics was held in Findlay on Wednesday.

Officers from the Findlay Police Department and the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office carried the torch through the streets of Findlay as part of the lead up to the Ohio Special Olympics Summer Games in Columbus.

The Torch Run began at the University of Findlay and proceeded to the Hancock County Courthouse where Special Olympics athletes joined in for the stretch run to St. Marks United Methodist Church.

Nadine Weininger, with Blanchard Valley Center, says the support from the community means a lot to their athletes. 

The annual torch run, with law enforcement officers escorting the Special Olympians at the end of the run, has been a Hancock County tradition since 1981.

The Ohio Special Olympics Summer Games will be held June 13-15 at Ohio State University in Columbus.

Hancock County will have 33 athletes competing in track and field, powerlifting, and bocce.