“Time Is Love” singer Josh Turner was Co-Captain of the first-ever Special Olympics Unified Relay Across America.
Turner, alongside Special Olympics athlete Sharmane Pearson (power lifting), ran the Flame of Hope into Music City this past Sunday (June 7).
“While our athletes are probably the best educated, socially savvy aware than they’ve ever been, there’s still a lot we need to do for them in the community,” said Alan Bolick of the Special Olympics.
“We need to understand that they are a part of our community. Accept them as part of our community, and don’t look at them as being so unusual.”
The Flame of Hope started in Washington, D.C. last week and has been making its way through West Virginia, Kentucky, and now Music City.
It is set to eventually end in Los Angeles for the World Special Olympic Games in July.
“I’ve always admired what the Special Olympics stands for and am honored to participate in the torch relay,” shares Turner.
“These athletes are a true inspiration.”
Turner joins Aloe Blacc, Apolo Ohno, Brooklyn Decker, Damian Lillard, Maria Menounos, Michelle Kwan, Robin Roberts and Special Olympics athletes from around the country in the flame’s journey. Originating in Athens, Greece, the Unified Relay consists of over 20,000 participants in a hand-to-hand passing of the Flame of Hope across all 50 states.
Taking the Flame of Hope out of Nashville yesterday (June 8th) morning were fellow country artists Eric Paslay, Jon Pardi and Special Olympics Ambassador Lauren Alaina.
For more information on Special Olympics, visit http://www.SpecialOlympics.org.
Josh Turner | Listen for free at bop.fm
