Unity Torch Walk helps Special Olympians warm up for basketball tournament in Newport

Special Olympics athlete Kevin Woolridge, center, is flanked by volunteer Rodney Weeks and Newport-Mesa Unified School District trustee Karen Yelsey during the Unity Torch Walk at Newport Beach Civic Center on Thursday.

Rocco Keller, 4, a star of A&E’s reality show “Born This Way,” and his parents, Chris Keller and Amy Amaradio of Laguna Beach, participate in the Unity Torch Walk, Hometown Hero Hoop Shoot Challenge and barbecue at the Newport Beach Civic Center on Thursday. Newport Beach will host a Special Olympics basketball tournament April 28.

Newport Beach Mayor Marshall “Duffy” Duffield, center, and Mayor Pro Tem Will O’Neill, left, participate in the Unity Torch Walk at the Newport Beach Civic Center on Thursday.

Newport Beach police mounted officers take the lead in the Unity Torch Walk, Hometown Hero Hoop Shoot Challenge and barbecue Thursday at the Newport Beach Civic Center.

Hundreds of people participated Thursday in the Unity Torch Walk, Hometown Hero Hoop Shoot Challenge and barbecue at the Newport Beach Civic Center on Thursday.

Laguna Beach resident Rocco Keller, 4, of A&E’s “Born This Way” celebrates after making a basket as his mother, Amy Amaradio, cheers during the Hometown Hero Hoop Shoot Challenge at the Newport Beach Civic Center on Thursday.

The Special Olympics Sparkle Squad and Corona del Mar High School cheerleaders perform during the Unity Torch Walk, Hometown Hero Hoop Shoot Challenge and barbecue in Newport Beach on Thursday. Newport will host a Special Olympics basketball tournament April 28.

Newport Beach Mayor Pro Tem Will O’Neill, center left, and Mayor Marshall “Duffy” Duffield hold torches as they pose with other participants in Thursday’s Unity Torch Walk, Hometown Hero Hoop Shoot Challenge and barbecue at the Newport Beach Civic Center.