Community invited to celebrate Michigan torch bearers as the flame travels through the heart of the Motor City during its final stop on the road to USA Games
The Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) Final Leg for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, sponsored by Jersey Mike’s Subs, will bring the Flame of Hope through Detroit on Friday, June 12. This historic, coast-to-coast journey unites law enforcement and athletes as they head toward Minnesota, where 3,000 competitors, including a delegation of nearly 80 athletes, coaches, and Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) staff will participate in 16 Olympic-style sports from June 20-26, 2026. In passing through Detroit, the Torch Run represents a shared commitment to building communities where every athlete is seen, valued, and empowered to shine.
The LETR Final Leg serves as the ultimate countdown to the USA Games, spanning May 29-June 20, 2026. The Flame of Hope will be carried from Chicago, the birthplace of Special Olympics and travel along two parallel routes across the East Coast and West/Central regions, before converging in Minnesota. This historic route makes its mark in Detroit as the torch departs from the iconic Detroit riverfront, traveling its 1.4-mile route through the heart of the city on its way to the Opening Ceremony.
“It’s an honor for Detroit to be part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run’s Final Leg to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games,” said John Card, Director of the Michigan Law Enforcement Torch Run. “This Torch Run represents the strong partnership between law enforcement and Special Olympics athletes, and it sends a clear message that inclusion belongs in every community. We encourage everyone to come out, cheer, and celebrate the athletes who inspire us all.”
After completing its journey through the city, the Flame of Hope and Final Leg runners are expected to arrive around 12:00 p.m. at the Tin Roof, where they will be welcomed by Tim Hileman, President & CEO of Special Olympics Michigan, and a number of Michigan dignitaries, Special Olympics Michigan athletes, and Michigan LETR partners.
Among those carrying the torch are the local law enforcement officers and Special Olympics athletes selected to represent Detroit in this iconic LETR. This opportunity is awarded to a limited number of athletes and law enforcement officials nominated by their local Programs for their profound dedication to Special Olympics and leadership within the LETR movement.
Among those carrying the torch are the local law enforcement officers and Special Olympics athletes selected to represent Detroit in this iconic LETR. This opportunity is awarded to a limited number of athletes and law enforcement officials nominated by their local Programs for their profound dedication to Special Olympics and leadership within the LETR movement.
“For the athletes, this is really a special moment, as it is for the law enforcement officers,” said Mark McCorkle, Chairman of the LETR Executive Council Final Leg Planning Committee. “The public doesn’t understand that relationship that we have with Special Olympics athletes, and this is a demonstration of that.”
Special Olympics Michigan is proud to announce and recognize the local athletes and law enforcement officers selected to participate:
Deputy Jill Worden, Genesee County Sheriff’s Department
A dedicated law enforcement professional with Genesee County, Deputy Worden is recognized for her longstanding commitment to Special Olympics and the Law Enforcement Torch Run. Known for her leadership, community service, and passion for inclusion, Deputy Worden proudly supports Special Olympics athletes on and off the course.
A dedicated law enforcement professional with Genesee County, Deputy Worden is recognized for her longstanding commitment to Special Olympics and the Law Enforcement Torch Run. Known for her leadership, community service, and passion for inclusion, Deputy Worden proudly supports Special Olympics athletes on and off the course.
Max Hinga, Special Olympics Michigan Athlete
Max Hinga of Portage, Michigan, is a Special Olympics Michigan athlete, advocate, marathon runner, and leader who has dedicated his life to advancing inclusion through sport. A member of Team Michigan for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, Max will proudly serve as Michigan’s Final Leg runner, carrying the Flame of Hope and representing athletes across the state. Beyond competition, Max has been a Youth Ambassador, Unified Sports athlete, public speaker, and member of Special Olympics Michigan’s Board of Directors. Whether crossing marathon finish lines, competing on the national stage, or championing inclusion in his community, Max embodies determination, leadership, and the belief that everyone deserves a place to belong.
Max Hinga of Portage, Michigan, is a Special Olympics Michigan athlete, advocate, marathon runner, and leader who has dedicated his life to advancing inclusion through sport. A member of Team Michigan for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, Max will proudly serve as Michigan’s Final Leg runner, carrying the Flame of Hope and representing athletes across the state. Beyond competition, Max has been a Youth Ambassador, Unified Sports athlete, public speaker, and member of Special Olympics Michigan’s Board of Directors. Whether crossing marathon finish lines, competing on the national stage, or championing inclusion in his community, Max embodies determination, leadership, and the belief that everyone deserves a place to belong.
Craig Lancaster, Special Olympics Michigan Athlete
The first athlete to be appointed to the Michigan LETR Executive Council, Craig Lancaster, is a dedicated leader and longtime champion of inclusion through the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics Michigan. Craig has spent years helping raise awareness and support for athletes with intellectual disabilities while strengthening partnerships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Through his leadership, advocacy, and commitment to the Special Olympics movement, he has inspired countless officers, athletes, and volunteers to embrace the values of respect, acceptance, and inclusion. Craig's enduring impact on Michigan's LETR program continues to be felt through the lives he has touched and the opportunities he has helped create for athletes across the state.
The first athlete to be appointed to the Michigan LETR Executive Council, Craig Lancaster, is a dedicated leader and longtime champion of inclusion through the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics Michigan. Craig has spent years helping raise awareness and support for athletes with intellectual disabilities while strengthening partnerships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Through his leadership, advocacy, and commitment to the Special Olympics movement, he has inspired countless officers, athletes, and volunteers to embrace the values of respect, acceptance, and inclusion. Craig's enduring impact on Michigan's LETR program continues to be felt through the lives he has touched and the opportunities he has helped create for athletes across the state.
Community members are invited to attend and cheer on Torch Run participants as the Flame of Hope travels through Detroit on its way to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.
Schedule of Events
- 11:45 a.m. Flame of Hope departs from Bates Street at the Detroit Riverwalk
- 12:00 p.m. Flame of Hope arrives at Tin Roof
- 12:15 p.m. Public remarks:
Tim Hileman, President & CEO, Special Olympics Michigan
John Card, Director, Michigan LETR - Dept. Jill Worden, Genesee County Sheriff
- Alex Huggen, Special Olympics Athlete
- 12:30 p.m. Lunch
- 1:30 p.m. Program concludes, Flame of Hope departs
Along the way, the Flame of Hope will be carried through 13 states, across all time zones, and will cover approximately 10,000 miles. The Torch Run will feature a national team of 73 participants, including 53 law enforcement officers and six Special Olympics athletes.
The LETR will culminate on June 20, 2026, at Huntington Bank Stadium on the University of Minnesota campus, where the Flame of Hope will ignite the cauldron and officially open the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games.
Supporters can follow the Flame of Hope’s journey in real-time through an interactive route tracker with local ceremony details available at 2026specialolympicsusagames.org and follow @2026USAGames on social media for the latest updates. Community members, organizations, and fans can also join the movement by signing up to volunteer for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games and staying connected as the countdown continues.
For media inquiries, interview requests, or additional information, please contact lourin.sprenger@somi.org or text (231) 620-0126 with your request and deadline.