IT'S MORE THAN JUST A RUN

The Law Enforcement Torch Run began in 1981 when Wichita, Kansas Police Chief Richard LaMunyon saw a need to raise awareness of and funds for Special Olympics. He conceived the idea of the Torch Run as a way to involve local law enforcement with the community and Special Olympics.

 

After three successful runs in Kansas, LaMunyon presented the idea to the International Association of Police Chiefs. With the IACP's endorsement, the idea was launched nationally, and today involves law enforcement personnel in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and numerous countries.

 

This series of relay runs has become the largest grass roots fund-raising program benefiting Special Olympics in the world.

 

In Ohio, Torch Run participants run, walk and cycle one of five planned routes covering the state and leading to the Opening Ceremonies of the Ohio Special Olympics Summer Games. The officers pass the torch to a relay of Special Olympics athletes and who light the cauldron to signify the official start of the Games.

 

Prior to the run, participants collect pledges and contributions and are often sponsored by service groups, schools and businesses that raise funds on the runners' behalf.

 

Every two years an Ohio law enforcement representative joins officers from around the United States and the world in the Torch Run held prior to the Special Olympics World Games.

 

YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Involvement in the Law Enforcement Torch Run unites all departments and agencies throughout the state - all work toward a common goal. Over 800 law enforcement officers volunteer for Ohio Special Olympics through the Torch Run. Their hard work and commitment have helped to make the Ohio Torch Run successful.

 

Since 1985, participants from a wide array of law enforcement agencies have donned a Torch Run uniform and raised awareness and funds for Ohio Special Olympics athletes.

 

Plans for future Torch Runs are already in the works. Goals for the Law Enforcement Torch Run in upcoming years include:

 

Increased participation

Build a statewide awareness of the Torch Run and Ohio Special Olympics

Increase the revenue generated from the Torch Run through individual donations, merchandise sales and special events

 

You can help keep the flame burning. You can make a difference. To get involved in the Torch Run, contact:

 

Ed Buns

Hamilton Police

331 South Front Street

Hamilton, Ohio 45011

Work 513-868-5811x1395

Cell 513-383-6952

 

 

 

EVERYONE IS A WINNER!

Since 1968, Special Olympics has provided sports training and competition opportunities for individuals with mental retardation. Special Olympics is a source of pride and inspiration for the participants and supporters of the Torch Run. Thousands of athletes have benefited from the help of Torch Run participants and volunteers.

 

The confidence, discipline and skills which these athletes gain carry over into their everyday lives. Many become more active in their communities as a result of their involvement. They make new friends among peer athletes and volunteers. Family bonds are strengthened as families take pride in the accomplishments and efforts of the athletes.

 

Over 16,000 athletes participate in Ohio Special Olympics. Year-round training and competition opportunities are provided in 21 different sports. Moreover, over 130 local and area competitions are conducted throughout the state each year. Ohio Special Olympics hosts 8 annual state-wide competitions, including the Summer Games.

Ohio Special Olympics athletes are all winners. Throughout training and competition, emphasis is placed on achieving their personal best, rather than finishing first.

 

The Law Enforcement Torch Run contributes significantly to Ohio Special Olympics - raising funds, building community awareness and increasing volunteer involvement.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FACTS BEHIND THE FLAME

In 2010 the Ohio Law Enforcement Torch Run netted over $500,000 for Ohio Special Olympics.

Over 1,150 Law Enforcement personnel depart from eight different Ohio cities and cover almost 1.000 miles during the Torch Run.

Law enforcement provides a tremendous network of volunteers for local, area and state competitions, while building awareness of Ohio Special Olympics.

Torch Run funds are raised year round through gifts from individuals, corporations and foundations, merchandise sales and special events held throughout the state.

 

 

 

THE TORCH RUN - Where the spirit and determination of a single law enforcement officer, touches the hearts and lives of hundreds and thousands of Special Olympians in Ohio, and around the world.

 

 

 

The Ohio Law Enforcement Torch Run is a collaborative effort of all of Ohio's Law enforcement officers and law enforcement organizations.

 

The following law enforcement organizations are supporters of the Ohio Law Enforcement Torch Run:

 

� The Fraternal Order of Police of Ohio

� The Ohio Association of Chief's of Police

� The Buckeye State Sheriff's Association

� The Fraternal Order of Police Associates

� The Ohio Troopers Coalition

 

The Ohio Law Enforcement Torch Run continues to grow annually. The focus of the law enforcement officers who participate is to raise funds necessary to sponsor and facilitate Ohio Special Olympic Programs.

 

Funds are raised through private and public sponsorships of the run, fund raisers such as the Red Lobster Cops and Lobsters, and other fund raising events, and personal contributions by law officers and their families.

 

Torch Run participants represent all facets of law enforcement including: police and sheriff's departments, university police, State Highway Patrol and auxiliary.

 

 

 

LAW ENFORCEMENT

TORCH

RUN

 

for

Ohio

Special Olympics

 

June 22, 23 and 24, 2011

OHIO SPECIAL OLYMPICS

Created by The Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation. Authorized and Accredited by Special Olympics International for the Benefit of Citizens

with mental retardation.