Established in 1981 in Wichita Kansas, the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) was the personal project of Police Chief Richard LaMunyon who wanted to increase awareness of Special Olympics. He proposed the idea of police officers running in support of Special Olympians, while raising financial contributions from fellow police officers, private individuals and the business community.
The Torch Run was quickly adopted by 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. From this modest beginning, the Law Enforcement Torch Run has quickly developed into an international event, with Torch Runs being held in over 30 countries, including Canada.
More than 100,000 law enforcement officers in all 50 U.S. states, eleven Canadian provinces and 43 countries contribute to Torch Run efforts annually as Guardians of the Flame™, ensuring the delivery of the Special Olympics Flame of Hope™ to the Opening Ceremonies of local Special Olympics competitions, state/provincial Games, and National Games. Law Enforcement officers from all over Nova Scotia are members of this unique team. Our Law Enforcement team includes representatives from Municipal Police, RCMP, Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, and Nova Scotia Sheriffs.
They work closely with local Special Olympic Chapters, participate in fundraising /awareness activities, and are proud to guard and carry the Special Olympic Flame of Hope.
About Special Olympics
Our organization works to enhance the lives of our athletes not only through sport but through education, health, community and personal growth. We work with our athletes and volunteers on helping to grow the athlete as a person, mentor, messenger and advocate for change.