From all corners of Iowa, hundreds of athletes with intellectual disabilities will be headed for Ames (Thursday) for the start of the Iowa Special Olympics Summer Games being held in Hilton Coliseum at Iowa State University. Special Olympics Iowa spokeswoman Stephanie Kocer says the event has grown significantly over its 33 years.

The annual Torch Run will be held today as Iowa law officers literally run the torch from Des Moines to Ames in time for tonight’s opening ceremonies. Kocer says the stadium will be buzzing during the three-day annual event.

The games will conclude on Saturday.