HISTORY OF THE LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN

SPECIAL PERFORMANCES BY

ABOUT THE LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN

SPECIAL PERFORMANCES BY

WHO WE ARE
The
Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics is the largest public awareness vehicle and grass-roots fundraiser for Special Olympics. Known as Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the Flame of Hope into the Opening Ceremony of local competitions, and into Special Olympics State, Provincial, National, Regional and World Games. Annually, more than 100,000 dedicated and compassionate law enforcement members carry the “Flame of Hope,” symbolizing courage and celebration of diversity uniting communities around the globe.

WHAT WE DO
The LETR for Special Olympics engages law enforcement worldwide championing acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities, starting first with their own communities. Over the years the Torch Run has evolved and now encompasses a variety of innovative fundraising platforms to include Plane Pull
®, Polar Plunge®, Tip-A-Cop®, and more.

Since its inception, LETR has raised over one billion dollars and changed millions of attitudes.

WHY WE DO IT
As LETR Founder and retired Chief Richard LaMunyon once said, “What started in 1981…as a flicker of hope for Special Olympics has now become a roaring flame of stability for Special Olympics athletes worldwide.” Through the partnership of LETR and Special Olympics, we provide opportunities for athletes to empower and transform themselves, their communities and the world. 

LETR is changing the future for people with intellectual disabilities and lighting the way for acceptance and inclusion.

40 YEARS STRONG
In June 1981, six police officers from Wichita, Kansas carried a torch into a high school and started a movement that continues to grow each year, providing for the athletes of Special Olympics

Click on the button to view photo galleries containing both historical and recent images

About Us

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