the guardians of the flame from all over the globe left monday, in two teams, officers and athletes together traversing the bulk of south korea via northern and southern routes. i've lost track of the number of cities they have been received in to, but at each stop a dignitary reception, local performances, and recognition. a different hotel every night, long days of running and greeting, carrying the eternal flame of hope to its destination: the opening ceremonies of the world winter games for special olympics. husband's notes have been so good and descriptive, my little blurbs do them no justice.
photos: andrea kramer, special olympics law enforcement torch run 2013
"Today we started not too far from the hotel in Gangneung. As we ran into downtown, there were so many people on the streets cheering we could not hear the cadence. As we entered what may have been the the local palace, it was packed with citizens and athletes from Greece and India....We ran into Yangyang which is known for its salmon run. They gave us all knitted beanies that looked like a salmon. More opera/choir singing and cheerleaders that got everyone's attention! After running a few blocks to the river, we all got to release baby salmon into the river. When the salmon are grown, they will return to the river. It also was symbolic in the hope that we would all return to visit some day. I really enjoyed releasing the fish...Next was off for Pyeongchang and the Flame Unification Ceremony. At a junction of two highways we picked up the other runners from route one. We made it to the Unification ceremony with five minutes to spare."
tomorrow: the culmination of a week of running across a little country with a very big heart
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