In 2010, the Law Enforcement Torch RunŽ for Special Olympics Minnesota involved more than 600 law enforcement officers and personnel representing more than 75 agencies throughout the state. Their tremendous efforts raised more than $1.6 million for Special Olympics Minnesota. In 2011, participation across the state continues to increase not only in the Final Leg of the movement but with law enforcement taking the initiative to coordinate new special events/fundraisers such as the Polar Bear Plunge, Truck Convoy, Final Leg, Tip-a-Cop, Jail 'n Bail and Cop on Top.

The Minnesota Torch Run is supported by the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, Minnesota F.O.P. and the Minnesota State Patrol Troopers Association.

Worldwide Mission

The mission of the Law Enforcement Torch RunŽ for Special Olympics is to raise funds for, and awareness of, the Special Olympics movement worldwide. Law enforcement officers and personnel from the 50 United States, 10 Canadian provinces and territories and more than 35 nations carry the "Flame of Hope" in honor of Special Olympics athletes in their area and around the world. Special Olympics is a program which reaffirms the beliefs that with hope and dedication, we can see achievement and self-worth realized by any individual. It is our belief that persons with intellectual disabilities, through their involvement in Special Olympics, show their communities that there are no limits to their potential. The Law Enforcement Torch RunŽ for Special Olympics, through its fundraising efforts, helps to provide for this opportunity, making the potential for every Special Olympics athlete come to life!

The Law Enforcement Torch RunŽ for Special Olympics is the movement's largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle, raising $34 million for Special Olympics Programs around the world in 2010. More than 80,000 law enforcement officers and personnel from thousands of agencies around the world have carried the "Flame of Hope" and are proudly referred to as the "Guardians of the Flame."

At its most basic level, the Torch Run is an actual running event in which officers and athletes run the "Flame of Hope" to the Opening Ceremonies of local Special Olympics competitions, state/provincial Games and National and Summer and Winter Games.

At its most fully developed, the Torch Run initiative encompasses a variety of fundraising vehicles in addition to the Torch Run itself, such as T-shirt or merchandise sales, donations or pledges for runners in the Torch Run, corporate donations, special events and other events that have local appeal.

More Information

Contact a Torch Run representative
Learn about Torch Run Awards
View Torch Run Events
View Torch Run Resources
Read The Guardian - Summer 2011 (PDF)

Watch "Guardians of the Flame: The 25th Anniversary of the Law Enforcement Torch Run Program"
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