Law Enforcement Torch Run

From a Flicker to a Flame

The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) began in 1981 when Wichita, Kansas (USA), Police Chief Richard LaMunyon saw an urgent need to increase awareness of Special Olympics. He also saw it as an ideal way to involve local law enforcement personnel with the Special Olympics community. Thirty years later, that flicker has become a roaring flame of stability for Special Olympic athletes worldwide.

Carrying the Flame of Hope

Scott Luther - Kennesaw PD Torch Run

At its most basic level, the Torch Run is a running event in which officers and athletes carry the Flame of Hope to the Opening Ceremony of local Special Olympics competitions, state/provincial Games, and National Summer or Winter Games. Every two years, law enforcement officers from around the world gather to carry the Flame of Hope in a Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg in honor of the Special Olympics World Summer or World Winter Games. 

Kennesaw PD Torch Run

At its most fully developed, the Torch Run initiative encompasses a variety of fundraising vehicles in addition to the Torch Run itself. Torch Run fundraising includes T-shirt and 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. 
Article Provided by Christy Collum,  ccollum@specialolympics.org.

Scott Luther 

Kennesaw Police Department
sluther@kennesaw-ga.gov

2539 J.O. Stephenson Ave.
Kennesaw, GA 30144
Phone: (770) 429-4535
Fax: (770) 429-4537