2026 Special Olympics Torch Run is Headed to the South Bay
Join South Bay’s local law enforcement to support the Special Olympics Torch Run for 2026 as the event concludes at the Summer Games in Long Beach.
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2026 Special Olympics Torch Run
The 2026 Special Olympics Southern California Summer Games promotes acceptance and inclusion in Southern California communities. The Law Enforcement Torch Run leading up to the games helps raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics athletes. Funds raised impact the lives of athletes with intellectual disabilities and their communities through sports, education, and athlete health.
This year’s Southern California Special Olympics event coincides with the USA Games, with the torch route making its way across Los Angeles on Monday June 1, starting with a pep rally at the Crypto.com Arena and ending at the LA Coliseum.
How You Can Help
You can help raise funds by donating to your local participating Police Department.
- Redondo Beach PD Torch Runners
- Manhattan Beach PD
- Torrance PD
- Los Angeles Airport Police
- And more teams here
In addition to supporting the cause financially, you can also come out to cheer on your local Police Department team at the opening ceremonies event at California State University Long Beach on Friday, June 5, 2026.
The Road to the Special Olympics Southern California Summer Games
The torch run began on May 26 in Chula Vista and has been making its way across Southern California leading up to the Southern California Championship event in Long Beach June 5 – 7, 2026.
The Summer Games, the championship for the Special Olympics Southern California spring training season, is held at California State University Long Beach (1250 North Bellflower Blvd.). Admission to attend and cheer athletes on is free.
The Opening Ceremony begins at 5:30pm on June 5, featuring the Parade of Athletes and the lighting of the cauldron, which signifies the official start of Summer Games and concludes the two-week, 1,100-mile relay Law Enforcement Special Olympics Torch Run.
The Games begin at 9a.m. on Saturday and continue through Sunday. In addition to the the sport venues, the Games will feature live music, games, law enforcement and sponsor booths, free health screenings for athletes, skills demonstrations for young athletes, opportunities to cheer on local athletes and more. You can learn more about the event here.
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