Lindsey Newman has competed in the Special Olympics for 15 years. She's a figure skating champion who has also competed in tennis and basketball.
She said it's made her who she is today.
"Because of the Special Olympics, I have been challenged to do better, to improve and to grow," Newman said.
The annual Special Olympics torch run and fundraiser got started in Chula Vista on Tuesday with a 37-mile run to Del Mar.
The torch will eventually end up in Long Beach for the start of the summer games on June 8. The Special Olympics has grown into the largest sports organization in the world. About 100 athletes from San Diego will compete in the summer games.
Law enforcement agencies have been one of its biggest supporters. They help raise funds and relay the torch of hope for the lighting ceremony.
San Diego police Captain Mark Jones has been involved for 20 years.
"It's an athletic event, something that cops like to do and it helps the participants who can't raise the money to pay for the things they need," Jones said.
The goal of the 30 city and county agencies supporting the torch run through San Diego County is to raise at least $75,000.
