About Torch Run

Where it All Began

Torch Run had its beginnings 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.

From those humble beginnings of five officers in 1981, the Torch Run has grown to be a truly global movement with a presence in 32 countries and involving over 110,000 police officers on an annual basis.

Torch Run Programs have existed in Australia and New Zealand since 2004, working tirelessly to develop and maintain fundraising initiatives providing support to Special Olympics programs.

The Guardians of the Flame

Known as ‘The Guardians of the Flame’, the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is a charitable program that is the largest grass roots funding and awareness vehicle for Special Olympics globally. Partnering with Special Olympics has seen over 3,000 fundraising events occur globally each year. They are the guardians of the Special Olympics flame, the ‘Flame of Hope’.

Together, Law Enforcement Officers and Special Olympics athletes create the ultimate team to proudly carry the torch for the Games. It is an image of unity, as two communities become one in celebration of inclusion and strength.

WA Police employees volunteer by assisting at events and donating through work place fundraisers. LETR provides the opportunity for local police offers to engage and connect with the intellectually disabled community.