Wheaton, IL — The annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Guardians of the Flame run will take place on Sunday, June 1 at 8:30 a.m. The race begins at DuPage County Fairgrounds and ends at the DuPage County Sheriff’s Office. Following the event will be snacks, beverages and a photo.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is the largest public awareness and fundraising event for the Special Olympics. The Illinois LETR chapter raises about five million dollars each year. To date, the Illinois LETR has raised one billion dollars for the Special Olympics since it began in 1986.
The first LETR was in Wichita, Kansas and organized by Police Chief Richard LaMunyon in 1981. He began the run to support the Special Olympics and strengthen community relations. In 1983, LaMunyon presented the program to the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). The IACP endorsed it and became the “Founding Law Enforcement Organization.”
The program has continued to grow, with now nearly 100,000 officers around the world carrying the Flame of Hope with Special Olympics athletes. The Flame of Hope symbolizes the hope for Special Olympics athletes and inclusivity of the games.
The Illinois LETR hosts other events throughout the year as well as sponsors and volunteers at Special Olympics events. Upcoming Illinois LETR events include the Intrastate Relay and Final Leg, fall Illinois Plane Pull, Truck Convoys and Five-O-Racing.
