DENVER (CBS4)- Law enforcement officers and Special Olympians gathered at the state Capitol on Thursday.

They kicked off Colorado’s Special Olympics events this weekend. Special Olympic athletes said the event helps build their confidence.

“Because of your help all of us are able to be helpful, successful, competitive Special Olympic athletes,” said Special Olympic athlete Jeff Gregory.

For the past month, hundreds of police officers have carried a Flame of Hope through their communities across Colorado.

Those three flames were unified Thursday afternoon into a single torch.

That torch will be carried from the state Capitol to the University of Northern Colorado campus in Greeley where the Special Olympics will take place. Events begin Saturday.