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Peoria native selected to carry ‘Flame of Hope’ for Special Olympics 2022

McGhee to go to Kazan, Russia as part of Final Leg team

Posted 4/8/21

Paradise Valley Police Department Community Resource Officer Steven McGhee has been selected to serve as part of the Final Leg team, serving as a Guardian of the Flame as he runs with the Flame of …

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Community

Peoria native selected to carry ‘Flame of Hope’ for Special Olympics 2022

McGhee to go to Kazan, Russia as part of Final Leg team

Posted

Steven McGhee, a Paradise Valley Police Department officer and Peoria native, has been selected to serve as part of the Final Leg team, serving as a Guardian of the Flame as he runs with the Flame of Hope throughout Russia in January 2022 leading up to the start of the 2022 Special Olympics World Games in Kazan.

The selection was announced by Special Olympics Arizona.

The Final Leg team will embark on different routes, running the Flame of Hope throughout cities and communities across Russia at various events, honoring the spirit of the Special Olympics global movement and delivering a message of hope to communities where people with intellectual disabilities continue to fight for acceptance and inclusion, according to a press release.

The Final Leg Team will safely deliver the Flame of Hope to the 2022 Special Olympics World Games Kazan Opening Ceremony on January 22, 2022.

“This is for the athletes without a voice who want this moment to last all year long but need your help. My brother could never ask alone because of how difficult it is to convey how important Special Olympics is to him and his friends,” said Mr. McGhee, who has Special Olympics athlete family members.

“It transforms their lives by teaching them social skills for employment, provides physical education, health screenings, and sporting activities that connect them closer with their families. I do this to keep these opportunities available for other families across Arizona and the athletes too afraid to ask for your support.”

The Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg for the 2022 World Games will take place from Jan. 9, 2022, to Jan. 22, 2022.

A team of 120 team members which includes 96 law enforcement officer runners, 10 Special Olympics athletes, and logistics personnel — will serve as Guardians of the Flame as they run the Flame of Hope throughout Russia.

The Final Leg event and community visits will raise excitement for the World Games throughout the country.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is Special Olympics’ largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle in the world, the press release stated.

Nearly 110,000 law enforcement members in all 50 U.S. states, 12 Canadian provinces/territories, and 44 countries contribute to LETR efforts annually as Guardians of the Flame, ensuring the delivery of the Special Olympics Flame of Hope to the Opening Ceremony of local Special Olympics competitions, state/provincial Games, and national/regional Games.

Officer McGhee aims to represent Arizona with distinguished honors as the highest fundraising individual for the 2022 World Games during his Blue Lake Leap on Jan. 22, 2022, in Kazan, Russia. For each donation received in the amount of $20, supporters will receive an entry into a community raffle for grand prizes. Sponsors, speaking engagements, and fundraising partner opportunities are requested.

Special Olympics is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charity. About 95% of donations received support programs and services for the athletes, the press release stated.

To consider a donation and support Officer McGhee’s Final Leg, email him at smcghee@paradisevalleyaz.gov, visit his fundraising page for the 2022 World Games at www.paradisevalleyaz.gov/WorldGames or text LEAP79 to 71777.