The Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) is a Special Olympics activity that started in America and has grown throughout the world to raise awareness for Special Olympics.
"Law Enforcement officers have long been good friends to Special Olympics and have emerged as champions of Special Olympics athletes everywhere," says Kathy Gibson, Special Olympics New Zealand Chief Executive Officer.
Beginning on November 23, two Torch Runs will make their way through New Zealand to Palmerston North where, on December 2, Police Commissioner Howard Broad will be at Arena Manawatu, to light the Special Olympics Flame, marking the beginning of the Special Olympics New Zealand National Summer Games.
"New Zealand Police is pleased to support the Special Olympics," says Commissioner Broad.
"These Games are a highlight of the year for Special Olympics Athletes, their families and friends. Our participation in the Law Enforcement Torch Run and the Games fits with our desire to work in and alongside the community."
The LETR began in the US in 1981 when Wichita, Kansas Police Chief Richard LaMunyon saw an urgent need to increase awareness of Special Olympics.
He conceived of the idea of a Torch Run as a way to involve local law enforcement personnel in the community and in support of Special Olympics Kansas. The LETR is now Special Olympics largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle.
In 2008, more than 85,000 law enforcement officers carried the Flame of Hope" around 50 American states and 46 nations.
At its most basic level, the Torch Run is an actual running event where officers and athletes run the Special Olympics Flame of Hope to the opening ceremonies of local Special Olympics tournaments.
Every two years, law enforcement officers representing their state, province or nation's Torch Run programme, comprise a final leg team which carries the Flame of Hope to the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics World Games.
