LETR 101

The Law Enforcement Torch Run began in 1981 when Wichita, Kansas Police Chief Richard LaMunyon saw a need to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics.  He conceived the idea of the Torch Run as a way to involve local law enforcement with their communities and Special Olympics, by running a torch relay from one side of the city to the other.

Almost 30 years later, the Torch Run has grown to include more 100 separate runs in over 35 countries. In 2009, more than 85,000 law enforcement officers raised more that $34 million to support community based sport programs for people with intellectual disabilities. The Torch Run has become the largest grassroots fundraising event for Special Olympics.

Today, the Torch Run is much more than just a run.  Law enforcement serves as an umbrella to various fundraising activities.  Some of those events include:

• Tip-A-Cop: This unique event gives law enforcement personnel an opportunity to trade in their handcuffs and badges for an apron and serving tray. Law enforcement act as celebrity waiters, collecting tips to benefit Special Olympics Colorado.

• Cop-on-a-Roof: An event in which law enforcement personnel sit on the roof of a well-known location or store until the community donates a pre-determined amount of money to the LETR.

• Polar Plunges: A Polar Plunge is a unique opportunity to support Special Olympics Colorado athletes by taking a flying leap – a leap into the frigid waters of a Colorado lake.

• Dunk-a-Cop: Brave Law Enforcement personnel allows civilians to take aim and try to dunk them in the cold water of the dunk tank.

• Guardian of the Flame Hockey Tournament: Hockey teams from around the metro area compete on the ice for bragging rights but off the ice, they compete in raising the most money in the form of sponsors and donations.  This is a two day hockey tournament that has become a Law Enforcement favorite.

For more information about sponsorships, special events and fundraising, please contact our development department:

Jan Gordon, LETR & Special Events Manager
720-359-3112
email

Allison Wilcoxson, Director of Development
720-359-3111
Email