Santa Clarita deputies joined in the 2017 Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run that passed through Southern California recently.

Leading up to the Special Olympics of Southern California Summer Games this weekend, the Law Enforcement Torch Run featured law enforcement agencies from every part of the San Fernando Valley, Burbank, Glendale and Santa Clarita Valleys.

The groups of officers and deputies helped carry the Flame of Hope from San Diego all the way to the eventual location of the Summer Games in Long Beach.

Members of Team Red, White & Blue, American Legion Post #309, and of course Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station deputies grabbed the Flame of Hope early Wednesday on Balboa Boulevard and began their journey.

“That really was a special run, because that was the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies along with (military veterans),” said Gerri McCorkle, one of the event’s coordinators and a former Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department sergeant.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run leads up to the Special Olympics of Southern California Summer Games, where athletes will compete for a spot in the USA Games in Seattle next July.

“It touches all the Special Olympians through southern California,” said McCorkle. “Law enforcement is one of the major fundraisers for the Special Olympics.”

Visitors can come out and take in the 2017 Special Olympics of Southern California Summer Games this weekend, June 10-11, at Cal State University Long Beach. The games will include events such as track and field, gymnastics, bocci ball and more.

Set to participate are athletes from all over Southern California, with several local representatives from Santa Clarita competing in a wide range of events.

Admission is free all weekend and the games kick off Saturday, June 10, with the opening ceremony at 9:30 a.m.