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KIRKSVILLE, MO. -- The torch used for the 2011 State Summer Games during Special Olympics Missouri made its way through Kirksville Tuesday Morning.

The run started at 8 a.m. at Jim Robertson's.

Runners were accompanied by Kirksville Police, National Guard, the Adair County Sheriff's office and the Kirksville Fire Department.

The torch eventually made its way through the square in downtown Kirksville where some of the athletes got a chance to run with it.

"I think they get a big kick out of it," said Jaime Janes, Special Olympics coach. "They've been to a lot of opening ceremonies at the state events where they see law enforcement and an athlete get to light that Flame of Hope during the opening ceremonies."

And Tuesday's Torch Run was something Special Olympics' Athlete Jared Niemeyer really enjoyed.

"I did get a chance to walk around the corner with it and I did that with one of my friends and I really had a great time," Niemeyer said.

After making its rounds through Kirksville, the torch headed toward Macon and its final destination will be in Springfield, that's where it will be used to light the Flame of Hope during opening ceremonies.

And although coaches say its not all about winning during the Special Olympics, some athletes still have their eye on the prize.

"For them to go to a local event or a state event they just don't care if they win, they love the experience," Janes said. "If they do get a medal or a ribbon that just adds icing on the cake for them."

"I am thinking I will win some awards, I'm thinking maybe three gold medals," Niemeyer said.

This will be Niemeyer's eighth year competing in the Special Olympics. The three events he will be competing in include the 400 meter dash, shot put and the long jump.

Two other athletes from Kirksville will be joining Niemeyer for the 2011 State Games.