The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) was held Wednesday, May 23 in Batesville, AR for Special Olympics Area 16. Participants started on Main Street and ended on Harrison Street at Centennial Bank. Centennial Bank presented Special Olympics with a $33k check. The bank gathered donations at their locations all over the region and held various events to raise money for the group.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is held in 50 states and in 35 countries raising $20 million annually and recruiting more than 15,000 law enforcement officers from all over the world. The original Torch Run began in 1981 in Kansas as a vision of Chief Richard LaMunyon who wanted to give his officers an opportunity to participate in something positive.
Arkansas consistently ranks in the emerald level of excellence raising over $500,000 each year since 2010.
The Arkansas Secret Service is the founding law enforcement agency for Arkansas’ Torch Run for Special Olympics. 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 LETR in Arkansas originates in over 12 locations and culminates at the site of Summer Games.
The Mission of the LETR is to raise both dollars and awareness for Special Olympics. Nearly 100 agencies and 1500 officers work year-round in Arkansas to accomplish this goal; they are some of our greatest volunteers. All funds raised go towards supporting Special Olympics Arkansas year round sports training and athletic competition.
LETR holds special events like Polar Plunges, Boots-N-Badges, Tip A Cop, Golf and Softball tournaments. A major source of funding comes from the sale of Torch Run T-shirts that feature a new design each year. Sponsors and corporate donations help round out these fundraising efforts.
