KEARNEY, Neb. - Athletes, police and community members in Central Nebraska are coming together to support special olympics athletes.

The City of Kearney took part in Monday's annual Law Enforcement Torch Run, which is part of a statewide series of events supporting the Nebraska Special Olympics.

Torch Run participants carried the Flame of Hope from the Younes Conference Center to the new Kearney SportsPlex along Talmadge Street.

The event concluded with athletes getting the chance to explore emergency service vehicles including an air-care helicopter.

The Torch Run is part of a larger effort to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Nebraska and its nearly eight-thousand athletes.

The torch run has 12 stops across the state, and will lead up to the Special Olympics Summer Games opening ceremony on May 22.