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Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR)
 Download current issue of 'The Guardian', the newsletter of the LETR Executive Council
What is the Torch Run?
The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics
is a year-round fundraising and awareness movement organized by
law enforcement officers from around the world. In 2007 alone, officers
from 35 countries raised more than $25 million for Special Olympics
programs.
Maryland Torch Run
Each year, law enforcement officers from across the
state raise money for Special Olympics Maryland (SOMD) by participating
in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. Since 1986,
when the Maryland Torch Run began, it has grown consistently every
year. In 2007, law enforcement officials raised over
$2,000,000!!
Through the efforts of you and hundreds of other officers, the
Torch Run has contributed nearly $6 million to Special Olympics
athletes in Maryland since its inception.
How It Works
The MD Torch Run Relay involves more than 2,000 law
enforcement officers from around the state who take part in a 600
mile, one week torch relay to pass the Special Olympics "Flame
of Hope" across Maryland. All of the relays will converge in
Towson University for the lighting of the cauldron
during the 2008 SOMD Summer Games Opening Ceremonies.
In addition to the relay, there are numerous special
events that take place throughout the year to raise funds for SOMD.
These Torch Run events raise untold awareness for the Special Olympics
movement, and involve literally hundreds of law enforcement officers
who volunteer their time to plan and organize events like the Maryland
State Police Winter Water Series, MdTA Police Plane Pull, the DOC
Tug of War, Cops & Lobsters and the Oxford Cardboard
Boat Race, to name a few.
The History
The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics,
the largest grassroots fundraising program benefiting Special Olympics,
began in 1981 when Wichita, Kansas Police Chief Richard LaMunyon
saw an urgent need to raise funds for and increase awareness of
Special Olympics.
The idea for the Torch Run was to provide local law
enforcement officers with an opportunity to volunteer with Special
Olympics in the communities where the officers lived and worked.
After three years of successful runs in Kansas, Chief LaMunyon presented
his idea to the International Association of Chiefs of Police, which
endorsed Special Olympics as its official charity through the Torch
Run. Today, all 50 states and over 40 countries have their own versions
of the Torch Run.
In Maryland, the first Torch Run was organized in
1986 when 500 officers raised approximately $5,000. Today, the Torch
Run has grown into the most important fundraising effort of Special
Olympics Maryland. Since its inception, the Torch Run has continued
to reach new records in fundraising efforts every year. Currently,
the MD Torch Run is recognized as the largest fundraising project
for Special Olympics Maryland. It is also recognized worldwide,
ranking 2nd internationally.
Torch Run Relay & Final Leg
Maryland Law Enforcement will begin the Torch Run
Relay during the last week in May. The Flame of Hope will then make
its way towards Towson University, where officers
from around Maryland will take part in the Final Leg. The Final
Leg is the Flame's final journey, where it culminates with the lighting
of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremonies of the 2008 Summer Games
for Special Olympics Maryland.
Special Olympics, Inc.
Special Olympics Maryland is the state chapter of
Special Olympics, Inc., the world's largest sports program for children
and adults with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics Maryland provides
athletic training and competition in over 20 sports for over
10,000 athletes.
2008 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Maryland
Contact your regional coordinator for details regarding your leg.
Southern Region:
Sgt. Craig Stillwell Charles County Sheriff’s Office 301-932-3046 stillwellc@ccso.us
Lt. Trent Tolson Prince George’s Co. PD 301.985.3675 tltolson@co.pg.md.us
Eastern Region:
Deputy Dale Trotter Worcester Co. Sheriff’s Office 410.632.1111 toughcop0079@comcast.net
Central Region: Chief Jeff Spaulding Westminster PD 410.848.4246 jspaulding@westgov.com
Western Region: John Ryder Hagerstown PD 301.790.3700 vmosgt@aol.com
Final Leg Towson- June 8th – Towson Center Contact Betsy Jiron for more information 410.789.6677 ext. 115 bjiron@somd.org
Additional Contact Information
For more information about Special Olympics Maryland
and/or the Law Enforcement Torch Run, please contact:
Lt. John Newnan, Torch Run Director
410.313.2219 or jnewnan@howardcountymd.gov
Col. Doug Holland, Torch Run Chairman
301.985.5084 or dholland@hyattsville.org
Betsy Jiron -410-789-6677 x115 or
bjiron@somd.org
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