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.
It's not just a run!
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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How to Become Involved
What is the LA Law Enforcement Torch Run movement?
Participating Law Enforcement Agencies
Many agencies in LA are involved in the LETR activities throughout the year. If your agency is participating and you are not listed, please let us know.
Your LETR Torch Run Area
Wherever you are in LA you can have a run, or an LETR event in your locale. Find out what is happening in your area in order to become involved, or contact someone to start a run, or event, in your area.
The top law enforcement person in each statewide agency is involved in the Louisiana LETR and activities.
Law enforcement torch run participants form a committee to oversee the management of the LETR activities.
Louisiana officers from any agency can attend the information LETR Conference held annually in LA. This conference recaps accomplishments of the previous year and outlines the plan for the current year.
The Flame News
An online newsletter which provides information on major LETR endeavors with Louisiana.
Once you're on our Press box page, click Newsletters then click on The Flame.
Run Information:
These forms include Runners Registration, T-Shirt Information, New Agency Handbook, and Standard Operating Procedures.
LA officers coordinate several runs throughout LA and those routes are defined here.
Law Enforcement runners from around the nation are selected to participate in the Special Olympics National Games Final Leg Run, and are selected from around the World to participate in the Special Olympics World Games Final Leg Run. LA sends a runner to every Final Leg. Officer Ninoska Guggenheim, with Kenner Police Department, will represent SOLA at the Winter World games in South Korea, January 29 - February 5, 2013.
Fun Events:
Run with the Law
Is a proprietary fundraising event to benefit individuals with intellectual disabilities, and allows civilians and kids in school to Run with the Law in the LETR.
Collect pledges and plunge in costume and you will be "Plunging with Purpose"!
SOL BowlStay tuned for upcoming info
Battle of the BadgesStay tuned for upcoming info
Over the EdgeStay tuned for upcoming info
Sponsors:
The LETR sponsors list. If you would like to support our law enforcement officer endeavors, contact us or learn more from the benefits packages.
