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| Law Enforcement Torch Run |
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The Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics is the movement's largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle. The 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. Today, hundreds of citizens in the United States and more than 50 foreign countries can witness the Olympic Torch being carried by dedicated members of law enforcement through their communities on its journey to the Opening Ceremonies of the Special Olympics Games.
 Over the years, Chief LaMunyon's inspirational idea has evolved into the single largest fundraising event and the most highly successful public awareness campaign in the history of Special Olympics. The Torch Run features a running event in which law enforcement officers and athletes run the "Flame of Hope" to the Opening Ceremonies of local Special Olympics competitions, State Games, and National Summer or Winter Games. Additionally, the Torch Run initiative encompasses a variety of community-based fundraising vehicles such as t-shirt or merchandise sales, donations or pledges for runners in the Torch Run, corporate donations, special events such as Polar Plunges, golf tournaments, or other events that have local appeal. Every two years, law enforcement officers representing their state, province or nation's Torch Run program, comprise a "Final Leg Team" which carries the "Flame of Hope" to the Opening Ceremonies of the Special Olympics World Games. 
Law enforcement officers have long been good friends to Special Olympics. They have emerged as champions of Special Olympics athletes everywhere. They have encouraged our athletes to aspire to their highest potential and compete against their personal best. They have helped to make many dreams come true, often against seemingly insurmountable odds. They act as "Guardians of the Flame," ensuring the delivery of the "Flame of Hope" to the Games.
| To join our Law Enforcement officers in raising money by creating your own page for pledges, or to register for our fun activities to raise money, click on the FirstGiving link to the right |
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