Law Enforcement Torch Run

The Law Enforcement Torch Run began in 1981 when Wichita, Kansas (USA), Police Chief Richard LaMunyon saw an urgent need to raise funds for and increase awareness of Special Olympics. The Torch Run was quickly adopted by the International Association of Chiefs of Police, now recognized as the founding law enforcement organization of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.

The Torch Run is Special Olympics’ largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle, raising more than US $20.5 million for Special Olympics Programs around the world in 2004. More than 85,000 law enforcement officers carried the Flame of Hope across 35 nations, and thousands more supported the runners’ efforts through “Adopt-A-Cop” runner sponsorships, corporate sponsorships and Torch Run T-shirts (more than 400,000 sold) and other merchandise sales.