KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - The ceremonial torch for the Washington Special Olympics has found its way to Afghanistan.

The torch, used to ceremonially open the Games, is normally carried from one end of the state to the other. However, it will be carried through a race course here by service members from the Role 3 Hospital, with video of the race being shown at the opening ceremonies in Fort Lewis.

"This event is to show the 6,700 kids back in Washington that we are supporting them even though we are over here in Afghanistan," said Petty Officer 2nd Class David Vally, the organizer for the event.

The Washington Special Olympics was founded in 1975 and provides year-round sports training. It holds competitions in Olympic-type sporting events for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

Vally has been volunteering for the Special Olympics for the past five years. He got the idea after hearing about a similar event that took place in Iraq last year.

"A reserve officer ran with the torch in Iraq last year and I just thought it would be a great idea to also do here," said Vally, of Hawaii.

The race was held last Sunday with T-shirts for the first 450 participants. Vally was hoping to have a lot of service members come out to show their support.

"We are excited for everyone to come out and have a good time," said Vally. "We just want to raise awareness. It's a nice event and it's for a great cause."