Q&A – For Internal Use Only
What is the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics?
The Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics is the largest grassroots fundraiser for Special Olympics with more than 100,000 law enforcement participants around the world. At its most basic level, the Torch Run is an actual running event where law enforcement officers and Special Olympics athletes run the “Flame of Hope” into the Opening Ceremonies of Special Olympics competitions.
What is the “Flame of Hope?”
The “Flame of Hope,” which symbolizes the courage and celebration of diversity that represents the spirit of Special Olympics, is the torch carried in the Law Enforcement Torch Run® and is used to light the cauldron at the Special Olympics Games.
Who participates in the Law Enforcement Torch Run?
Law Enforcement members have long been good friends to Special Olympics. They have emerged as champions of Special Olympics athletes everywhere. Today, the Law Enforcement Torch Run® mobilizes 100,000 law enforcement officers throughout communities in the U.S., Canada and 47 countries.
Why was the Law Enforcement Torch Run started?
The Law Enforcement Torch Run®began in 1981 when Wichita, Kansas, Police Chief Richard LaMunyon saw an urgent need to raise funds for and increase awareness of Special Olympics andconceived the Torch Run as a way to involve local law enforcement personnel to support Special Olympics.
How did the Law Enforcement Torch Run evolve to what it is today?
After the Law Enforcement Torch Run® began in 1981, the LETR was quickly endorsed by Special Olympics, Inc. and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), now recognized as the Founding Law Enforcement Organization of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. Over the past 33 years, the Law Enforcement Torch Run has evolved from a symbolic awareness run to a very significant, annual fundraising effort conducted by the law enforcement community. From Torch Run T-shirt and hat sales and to a wide variety and multitude of special events, such as golf tournaments, Over the Edge, "Tip-A-Cop" events, Polar Plunges®, the World’s Largest Truck Convoy® and Cops on Doughnut Shops® fundraisers, the LETR raises funds so that moreSpecial Olympics athletes can benefit in many areas of their lives through sports training and competition.
How much money has been raised by the Law Enforcement Torch Run?
The Law Enforcement Torch Run has raised an astonishing US$511 million for the cause since its inception 33 years ago – all dollars are raised in law enforcement’s off-duty time and the funds stay local to the communities they protect and serve. The fundraising efforts grow year after year, topping the year before by at least $2 million on a regular basis. In the last year alone, more than US$50.3 million was raised for Special Olympics Programs.
Who are the “Guardians of the Flame?”
Law enforcement officers act as “Guardians of the Flame,” ensuring the delivery of the “Flame of Hope” to local, state, national and international Special Olympics Games.
What is the “Final Leg Team?”
Every two years, law enforcement officers and Special Olympics athletes make up the Final Leg Team that carries the ‘Flame of Hope’ into the Opening Ceremonies of the Special Olympics World Games, raising awareness and excitement about the Games and the Special Olympics movement. The Final Leg represents the culmination of Torch Run events in 115 Special Olympics Programs worldwide and is not only a salute to the athletes from around the world who will compete in the World Games, but also an honor for the law enforcement officers who make up the Final Leg Team.
What is the vision for the future of the Law Enforcement Torch Run?
The vision is simple. We want every Special Olympics Program to have a thriving Torch Run Program.
1 | Q&A for LETR