The torch run for the Shanghai 2007 Special Olympics will kick off its second phase in Washington on July 26 as the flame continues its journey around the world.

The Washington stop will cover about12.4 kilometers and more than 200 Special Olympic athletes and law enforcement officials from China and the United States will attend.

The flame is expected to pass through a string of landmark sites in the US Capital before stopping at the Chinese Embassy, where a special welcoming ceremony is to be held.

The US trip will be especially meaningful as the Flame of Hope is set to visit the headquarters of Special Olympics International on July 25, a day before the torch run.

On June 29, the flame was gathered in Athens, the birthplace of the modern Olympics, and then began a tour around the globe to pass on the spirit and friendship of athletes and raise public attention and respect for individuals with intellectual or physical disabilities.

The ``Flying Dragon'' torch has already passed through Egypt and Britain. After the US stop, the flame will head to Japan, South Korea and Australia before returning to China.

The torch run will reach Beijing on September 26, the first Chinese stop, and it is to be organized in 10 other mainland cities before the flame arrives in Shanghai on September 29.

The 2007 Special Olympic Summer Games will run from October 2 to 11 in Shanghai, which will host more than 10,000 athletes and coaches from 163 nations and regions. More than 40,000 volunteers have signed up to help the event run smoothly.