AUGUSTA, Maine - More than 100 supporters and Special Olympic athletes gathered outside the State House Tuesday to help kick off the multiple torch runs that will culminate in the summer Special Olympic games in Los Angles this summer.
"Pretty exciting that that torch is starting here in our capital city of Augusta, Maine," said Phil Geelhoed, the president of Special Olympics in Maine, "and going all the way out to LA to be part of that event."
Gov. Paul LePage joined in the celebration, praising the athletes on their way to the games. "This is going to be the largest sports assembly in our country this year. And thanks to the Special Olympics, adults and children with disabilities and having this opportunity for each and every one of you to excel."
Retired Bangor Police Chief Ron Gastia was the lead runner to help light the symbolic torch that will be relayed by thousands of runners across the country to LA this summer.
