Flame of Hope stopped in Downtown Fresno

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Flame of Hope burned in Downtown Fresno. The torch was in the hands of just two people, but it was supported by a city.

Angie Purewal said, "It really touched, touched my heart."

Purewal brought her son Gage to see the torch. He's 15 and he has Down Syndrome, "I want him to see there are different abilities and there is no, 'I can't.'"

Inside the city council chambers, there was more inspiration from a visually impaired singer -- hands over hearts followed by words of encouragement for the Special Olympic athletes in the room.

CHP Chief, Jim Abrames said, "We will root all day long. We don't have any underdogs here, we've got heroes."

"We're gonna be rooting so loud for you," Fresno County Sheriff, Margaret Mims said. "You should be able to hear our voices down in Los Angeles."

The summer games start in nine days but first, the torch has to travel 157 miles. This is the final leg of the run. It started in Sacramento. It'll end in LA and raise money along the way.

"Last year, we raised $50 million, worldwide," Sheriff Mims added.

In this city, on this day, the run raised awareness and hope for the future.

Mark Standriff, with the City of Fresno said, "It's about encouragement and I really think Fresno could use a lot more days like this one."

That's something that'll stick with Angie and her son for a lifetime, "When opportunity is given to our special needs community, there is no limit as to what they can do."