Flame of Hope makes its way to Palm Springs

The rain didn’t stop a Special Olympics tradition from being carried on.

The World Games will kick off in Los Angeles this month, but the the, the Special Olympics Flame of Hope, arrived in our desert Saturday.

Special Olympics athletes and law enforcement started the torch run at the San Ysidro Port of Entry at the U.S. border Saturday morning.

Then traveled through El Centro, Blythe and arrived in Palm Springs just before 6:30 p.m.

Special Olympics athletes and law enforcement officers from around the world received a wet welcome when they arrived in town.

“Well the rain, I come from Iceland so it feels like home,” police officer Gummi Sigurdsson said.

Pennsylvania athlete Daniela Brandt was selected to carry the torch along with Sigurdsson.

Brandt, whose favorite past time is running, said she’s just excited to be a part of all of the Games.

“Getting to know the team and meeting new people,” Brandt said.

Sigurdsson, whose son is a Special Olympian in Iceland, said he participates because it raises awareness.

“Maybe a lot of people don’t know about Special Olympics and people with disabilities. And that way we can help to… raise awareness,” Sigurdsson said.

For many the Flame of Hope represents strength and courage.

Fred Owusu, a 1984 Olympian, joined the runners as they made their way to the Palm Springs convention center.

“Sport is about fun and competition and ultimately its about engagement and participation, meeting people and just doing the best you can,” Owusu said.

Participants were welcomed by Mayor Pro Tem Paul Lewin.

During the welcome ceremony, athletes and law enforcement officers continued to pass the flame

By the time the Flame of Hope reaches Los Angeles to start the Games, the torch will have been passed to more than 20,000 people.

Despite Saturday’s rain, the Flame of Hope burned on.