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KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- Local law enforcement agencies are lacing up their running shoes and gearing up for the annual Torch Run for Special Olympics Missouri.

Law enforcement officers from around the state will be running the torch to raise awareness for Special Olympics Missouri and the 2011 State Summer Games.

The run will begin on Monday, May 23rd and continue until Wednesday, May 25th.

The Kirksville/Adair County route will be taking place on Tuesday at 8 am.

It will begin at Jim Robertson's and continue south on US 63 and into the square in downtown before heading off to Macon.

Its final destination will be in Springfield, Missouri where it will be present for the opening ceremonies for the summer games on Wednesday, May 25th. 

Adair County Sheriff's Office, Kirksville Police Department, Probation and Parole, Department of Conservation, Prosecuting Attorney, National Guard, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Kirksville Ambulance District and Kirksville Fire Department are all participating in Tuesday morning's run along with some of the athletes.

"It's important for law enforcement officers to be able to support the community in anyway that they can and this is just one way that they can help lift the spirits of those that maybe think it's sometimes difficult to get through things, this is a very special program," said Adair County Sheriff's Office Finance Coordinator, Melissa Hocker.

The community is encouraged to come out and show their support on Tuesday morning.

"Come to the square on Tuesday and stand around and actually cheer on the athletes that are going to be there helping us carry the torch," Hocker said. 'We want to show them the whole support as a community, not just the law enforcement officers."

You can also purchase a shirt by contacting Melissa Hocker at Mhocker@adaircoso.com or (660) 665-4644.

All the funds raised go toward supporting Special Olympics' year-round training and athletic competition program.

Special Olympics is a non-profit organization offering year-round training and competition for athletes ages 8 and older with intellectual disabilities.

"The most important thing I see in the athletes is not about winnings its about enjoying what they like to do and showing everyone that they can do things that they really want to do and the pride they get from just participating," Hocker said.