October SOAR Scoop: Law Enforcement Torch run®
About the Law Enforcement Torch Run
The Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) engages law enforcement worldwide to champion acceptance and inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID), starting with their local communities.
Known as Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the Flame of Hope into the Opening Ceremony of local competitions and into Special Olympics State, Provincial, National, Regional, and World Games. Annually, more than 100,000 law enforcement members carry the Flame of Hope, symbolizing courage and celebration of diversity uniting communities around the globe.
What we do in Arkansas:
Arkansas members host over 100 fundraising events year-round and consistently ranks in the emerald level of excellence raising over $500,000 each year since 2010 for Special Olympics Arkansas athletes. Over the years the Torch Run has evolved and now encompasses a variety of innovative fundraising platforms to include Plane Pull®, Polar Plunge®, Tip-A-Cop®, and more.
Why we do it:
As LETR Founder and retired Chief Richard LaMunyon once said, “What started in 1981…as a flicker of hope for Special Olympics has now become a roaring flame of stability for Special Olympics athletes worldwide.” Through the partnership of LETR and Special Olympics, we provide opportunities for athletes to empower and transform themselves, their communities and the world.
History of LETR in Arkansas:
Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Arkansas was started in 1987 by The Arkansas Secret. What began as a 30-mile run is now a four day relay that covers more than 1200 miles and 700 runners. Now more than a run, the Law Enforcement Torch Run is a campaign to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics. The annual LETR in Arkansas originates in over 12 locations and culminates at the site of Summer Games.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) engages law enforcement worldwide to champion acceptance and inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID), starting with their local communities.
Known as Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the Flame of Hope into the Opening Ceremony of local competitions and into Special Olympics State, Provincial, National, Regional, and World Games. Annually, more than 100,000 law enforcement members carry the Flame of Hope, symbolizing courage and celebration of diversity uniting communities around the globe.
What we do in Arkansas:
Arkansas members host over 100 fundraising events year-round and consistently ranks in the emerald level of excellence raising over $500,000 each year since 2010 for Special Olympics Arkansas athletes. Over the years the Torch Run has evolved and now encompasses a variety of innovative fundraising platforms to include Plane Pull®, Polar Plunge®, Tip-A-Cop®, and more.
Why we do it:
As LETR Founder and retired Chief Richard LaMunyon once said, “What started in 1981…as a flicker of hope for Special Olympics has now become a roaring flame of stability for Special Olympics athletes worldwide.” Through the partnership of LETR and Special Olympics, we provide opportunities for athletes to empower and transform themselves, their communities and the world.
History of LETR in Arkansas:
Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Arkansas was started in 1987 by The Arkansas Secret. What began as a 30-mile run is now a four day relay that covers more than 1200 miles and 700 runners. Now more than a run, the Law Enforcement Torch Run is a campaign to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics. The annual LETR in Arkansas originates in over 12 locations and culminates at the site of Summer Games.
Published October 2025
