Last Friday, City of Eden Prairie employees ran three miles through Eden Prairie carrying the Minnesota Special Olympics torch.

Our staff received the torch from the Minnetonka Police Department and several miles later, handed it over to two Special Olympics athletes in the parking lot of Eden Prairie Center. Throughout the day, the torch made its way to the Stillwater Area High School where the 2023 Special Olympics Summer Games were held last weekend.

The Torch Run serves as a fundraiser for the Special Olympics. The money raised goes toward the cost of sending athletes to the Special Olympics games. Police Departments have a unique relationship with the Special Olympics. They are considered to be the guardians of the torch, which is also called the “Flame of Hope.” The EPPD is proud to be a part of this annual tradition and support Special Olympics athletes.

Top photo: Eden Prairie and Minnetonka runners

Bottom photo: Eden Prairie runners with Special Olympic athletes