Special Olympics Flame Begins Journey In Miami

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - The Special Olympics Flame of Hope is on it's way.

The cross country journey of the flame began in three cities; Miami: Augusta, Maine and Washington D.C. early Tuesday morning.

For the southernmost leg of the Special Olympics Unified Relay Across America there was a special torch lighting ceremony at Marlins Park. The event was sponsored by Bank of America.

The flame then passed in front of the AmericanAirlines Arena, along the Venetian Causeway, Ocean Drive, and the Shops at Bal Harbor before continuing on to Palm Beach County.

Floridians who raised funds for Special Olympics will earn the honor of carrying the torch through the state to stand up for inclusion. In the "unified" spirit of the relay, local Special Olympics athletes will also take part, including Special Olympics USA athlete Andy Miyares, who will represent the U.S. at the Special Olympics World Games.

Over the course of 46 days, in a hand-to-hand exchange, over 20,000 participants throughout the nation will carry the torch. All three routes will converge in Los Angeles on July 10 for the start of the Special Olympics World Games.