The Fountain Valley Police Department also participates in the Special Olympics Torch Run, carrying it through Fountain Valley on one leg of its journey. The Torch continues on to California State University at Long Beach for the lighting of the “Flame of Hope”, marking the beginning of the Summer Games. The Torch Run is an annual event requiring more than 3,500 runners from over 300 Police agencies to carry the Special Olympics Torch, covering the entire footprint of Special Olympics Southern California from the top of San Luis Obispo down to the border of Mexico. All Department personnel who participate in this run donate their time.