ASHLAND — The path to the Special Olympics 2026 Ohio Summer Games ran through Ashland on Thursday afternoon.
Local law enforcement from around the county joined the Ashland County Dragons for the 2026 Law Enforcement Torch Run.
This annual event joins law enforcement officers and other first responders, known as the “Guardians of the Flame,” with Special Olympics Ohio athletes to carry the “Flame of Hope” from the four corners of the state, according to Special Olympics Ohio. The flame symbolizes courage, perseverance and the spirit of inclusion.
Angela Lowther, a coordinator for the Ashland County Dragons, said the athletes adore spending time with local law enforcement during the annual torch run.
“I loved to see that this year we had a lot more officers involved,” Lowther said.
The torch run culminates at Ohio Stadium on the campus of The Ohio State University on Friday, where the flame lights the cauldron — marking the opening of the games.
While spreading awareness, the torch run also generates critical funds to support Special Olympics Ohio’s programs and athletes, according to the organization.
The Ashland Police Division and friends torch run team raised $2,047 as of Thursday evening, the fifth most of any team statewide, according to the Special Olympics Ohio website.
Below are photos from the 2026 Law Enforcement Torch Run on Thursday afternoon in downtown Ashland. (Credit: Hayden Gray) The story continues below.
Dragons send 44 to state
The Special Olympics 2026 Ohio Summer Games begin Friday afternoon.
Lowther said Dragons’ athletes will compete in a variety of sports, including bocce, bowling and several track and field events. Athletes will be housed in dorms on OSU’s campus for the weekend.
“There’s about 44 of us going down to state,” she said.
“Without our coaches and volunteers it would not happen. We have to definitely give them lots of appreciation.”
Due to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games getting moved up three weeks earlier than when they normally take place, this year’s Ohio Summer Games moved up three weeks as well. They typically occur near the middle of June, Lowther said.
Folks interested in finding results will have a variety of options.
Lowther said results updates will be shared through the Ashland County Dragons’ Facebook page, as well as by several coaches and volunteers through their personal accounts.
Official recaps and medal counts can also be found throughout the weekend on the Special Olympics Ohio website.
