What is the Law Enforcement Torch Run®?   

The Law EnforcementTorch Run® for Special Olympics Wyoming is part of the worldwide movement's largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle.

At its most basic level, officers and athletes – the Guardians of the Flame – run the Special Olympics “Flame of Hope” to the Opening Ceremonies of Special Olympics competitions. As a whole, the Torch Run encompasses a variety of year-round fundraising events such as Jackalope Jumps, Tip A Cop, LETR Merchandise Sales, Fire Truck Pulls, Strikes for SO, Truck Convoy, corporate donations, and other special events! All fundraising proceeds directly benefit the athletes of Special Olympics Wyoming. Most importantly, officers continually interact with Special Olympics athletes and are the primary medal presenters at the local, area and state competitions.

History

LETR began in 1981 when Wichita, Kansas Police Chief Richard LaMunyon created the Torch Run. He thought the Torch Run would help law enforcement be active in the community and support Special Olympics Kansas. In 1983, Chief LaMunyon presented the program to the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). They decided to endorse Torch Run and became the “Founding Law Enforcement Organization.” With the IACP’s support, LETR became the movement's largest public awareness and fundraising group for Special Olympics.

Known as Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the “Flame of Hope” into Opening Ceremonies of local competitions. They also carry it into Special Olympics State, Provincial, National, Regional and World Games. There are over 97,000 law enforcement members that carry the “Flame of Hope” annually. The flame symbolizes courage and celebration of diversity uniting communities around the globe.

Impact

Torch Run has grown over the years and now includes many fundraising platforms. These platforms include: Plane Pulls, Polar Plunges, Tip-A-Cops, and more. Since the beginning, LETR has raised over $600 million for Special Olympics programs.

As retired Chief Richard LaMunyon once said, “What started in 1981...as a flicker of hope for Special Olympics has now become a roaring flame of stability for Special Olympics athletes worldwide.” LETR is changing the future for people with intellectual disabilities. Through the LETR and Special Olympics partnership we are lighting the way for acceptance and inclusion.  Visit www.letr.org

Law Enforcement Torch Run Fundraising Events & Information

The Wyoming Law Enforcement Torch Run Hall of Fame Award was created to recognize outstanding individuals who have significantly contributed to the statewide success of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Wyoming athletes.

Getting your agency involved for the first time? Call the Special Olympics Wyoming office- 307-235-3062 or email letr@specialolympicswy.org 

For information about the International Torch Run Program go to www.LETR.org

Wyoming Law Enforcement Torch Run Council

THANK YOU 2023 SPONSORS!

GUARDIAN SPONSORS

SILVER MEDAL SPONSORS

BRONZE MEDAL SPONSORS

Moore's Heavy Equipment  ~  Wyoming Fraternal Order of Police Platee River Lodge #11  ~  Wyoming Peace Officers Association ~