Texas Law Enforcement Torch Run

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is Special Olympics’ largest grassroots fund-raiser and public awareness vehicle. 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 competitions, or State, Provincial or World Summer or Winter Games. At its more extensive, the Torch Run program encompasses a variety of fundraising vehicles in addition to the actual Torch Run such as t-shirt or merchandise sales, donations or pledges for runners in the Torch Run, corporate donations, and special events such as Polar Plunges, golf tournaments or other events that have appeal.

Every two years, law enforcement officers representing their state, province or nation's Torch Run program comprise a "Final Leg Team" which carries the Flame of Hope to the Opening Ceremonies of the Special Olympics World Games. In 2009, Detective Rikicia Robinson of the Dallas Police Department took part in the Global Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg for the 2009 World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run began in 1981 when Wichita, Kansas Police Chief, Richard LaMunyon, saw an urgent need to raise funds for and increase awareness of Special Olympics. In Texas, the Law Enforcement Torch Run® began in 1985 and has grown to become one of the largest in the world. It is projected that Texas Torch Runners will raise more than $850,000 this year. To highlight Torch Runners' efforts and Special Olympics in the Lone Star State, close to 400 volunteers carried the torch more than 3,000 miles to Arlington to present it at Opening Ceremonies for the 2009 Special Olympics Texas Summer Games. The support provided by this dedicated group has contributed greatly to programs in local communities, which involve more than 32,240 athletes with intellectual disabilities.

In 2001, the Texas Torch Run was number one in the world, raising more than $2 million. The perpetual goal is to recapture that title. The Law Enforcement Torch Run® has dedicated itself to assure that all eligible individuals can participate in the Special Olympics program. To its athletes, Special Olympics is much more than sports training and competition. It changes lives. Together, the Law Enforcement Torch Run and the athletes of Special Olympics Texas are an inspiration to all those involved.

Click here to download a pledge card to support the Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics Texas.

Click here for the Law Enforcement Torch Run informational brochure.