When the Special Olympics Flame of Hope passed through Connecticut as part of its historic journey to Los Angeles, Vista members Brian Kehoe and Zach Posner lent a hand in guiding it through the streets of New Haven.
Both Special Olympics athletes, Zach and Brian each had the honor of carrying theFlame of Hope in the first-ever Special Olympics Unified Relay Across America, which traveled through New Haven on May 30th.
“It was a really fun experience,” Zach said. “This was the very first time I got to carry the torch.”
Find out what's happening in North Branfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Brian and Zach led the torch for about a half-mile stretch along Church Street in downtown New Haven before passing it along to the next group of torchbearers. Family, friends and teammates joined Zach and Brian on the run.
Brian, who has participated in the Special Olympics Connecticut Law Enforcement Torch Run in the past, said it was exciting to be part of this national event. But what he enjoyed most was the company of those around him.
Find out what's happening in North Branfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“Having my family do the torch run with me made me happy,” he said.
The Flame of Hope was lit on May 14th in a formal ceremony in Athens, Greece. Through three designated routes, the relay will pass through all 50 states over the next month, delivering the Flame of Hope to Los Angeles in time for the Special Olympics World Summer Games in July.
Based in Madison and Westbrook, CT, Vista Vocational & Life Skills Center is a 501©3 nonprofit organization. Vista’s mission is to provide services and resources to assist individuals with disabilities achieve personal success.
For more information about Vista, please visit www.vistavocational.org.
