Athletes, Volunteers Bicentennial Torchbearers

The Indiana Bicentennial Torch Relay is designed to inspire and unify Hoosiers as one of the major commemorative events of the 2016 Bicentennial celebration. Hoosiers will also symbolically “pass the torch” connecting generations to IGNITE our future. Among those Hoosiers, you will find some familiar faces of Special Olympics Indiana-Ripley Ohio Dearborn Counties. Selected to represent their counties are Ohio County, Special Olympics athlete, Becky Cashman, Dearborn County, Special Olympics athletes Christa Mullins and Jacob Eldridge, and Special Olympics volunteer/coach, Kim Carr, our Fundraising Coordinator, Cheryl Shuman,  and our Program Coordinator, Greg Townsend.

The torch will be primarily transported by people, passing the flame from torch bearer to torch bearer. The relay will also employ other modes of conveyance that are symbolic of the history and heritage of Indiana, including watercraft, farm equipment, a racecar, horse and wagon, antique automobile, and others.

Patterned after the Olympic Torch Relay, Indiana’s version will pass through all 92 of the state’s counties, cover 3200 miles over a five week period, averaging 97 miles per day. The torch will pass through Ohio and Dearborn Counties on September 17th.

Festivities will vary from town to town, as communities celebrate the torch in their own special way. A specialized Indiana Bicentennial Experience will be created to accompany the torch on its journey.

The relay will culminate in Indianapolis on the Statehouse Grounds, with a special welcome ceremony and celebration.

Torch Relay Facts:

• 3,200 mile journey across the state traveling through 92 counties
• The Torch Relay will begin in Corydon, the state’s first capital, and culminate in Indianapolis on the Statehouse Grounds
• The relay was designed to inspire Hoosiers and promote unity across the state by connecting people, communities, and regions
• Starts on September 9, 2016 and ends October 15, 2016
• The torch will travel 6 days per week (Mondays rest day) for 5 weeks/32 days
• Walkers, runners and torch bearers employing modes of transportation that are representative of Indiana culture and heritage will move the torch along its route
• Torch Bearers will be chosen from nominations by each county in the state
• The torch will be accompanied by a caravan that includes the Indiana Bicentennial Experience
• The Torch Relay will conclude on the Statehouse Grounds with a grand celebration for all Hoosiers
• The Indiana Bicentennial Experience is a museum on wheels that celebrates the history and culture of the Hoosier State.

To learn more about the Bicentennial Torch Relay, please visit: http://www.in.gov/ibc/torchrelay/