What is the Law Enforcement Torch Run? Kansas Roots First to Carry the Torch

Where it all began… The Law Enforcement Torch Run began here Kansas in 1981. Chief Richard LaMunyon and six runners from the Wichita Police Department developed a run to raise money for the Special Olympics Program and run the torch for the athletes. Kirk Miles, Walt Kuykendall, Jan McCloud, Jack Leon, Robert Bachman and Donald Ipsen

What is the Torch Run? Raise awareness for the programs A year-round initiative for Special Olympics with two simple goals- Raise awareness for the programs Raise funds for the athletes Made up of both active and retired volunteers from all types of law enforcement backgrounds. Police, Sherriff, KBI, FBI, Highway Patrol, Corrections, Military and much more!

Largest Grassroots Fundraiser Since 1981, the LETR has expanded to all 50 states and another 46 countries around the world. In 2018, the LETR will celebrate its 37th Anniversary and have contributed over 51 million dollars to Special Olympics programs worldwide. In 2016, Kansas LETR raised over $500,000 for Special Olympics Kansas, earning the Ruby Award of Excellence!

When does the Torch Run occur? Year Round Initiative!

The Actual Torch Run, Carrying the “Flame of Hope” to your Hometown! Not a runner? Don’t worry, it’s not a race, it’s just an awareness run! Raises awareness for Special Olympics by carrying the “Flame of Hope”, or torch, through cities, towns, and counties in Kansas. The torch is relayed across the state to the annual Summer Games in Wichita, Kansas in June. Or if June is a bad time for your department, the Torch Run can be customized to fit an event in your hometown at any time of the year!

Kansas law enforcement personnel run over 1,500 miles across the state during the week of the torch run.

A picture paints a thousand words Use the Picture and Caption format to create strong compelling slide like this. Don't forget to caption where possible. For best effect crop the image to fill the placeholder. Athletes can often be seen running with devoted officers that support them.

Can’t Run? The Flame of Hope takes many forms of transportation… Bicycle Rollerblade Sled Boat Horseback Motorcycle Train Or volunteer with the support vehicles and cheer the officers along the way.

Organizing and Creating Your Programs What can you do to help? Organizing and Creating Your Programs

Organize a Run in Your Town Set your route: run by key areas in your community for maximum visibility Large businesses Schools City Hall Recruit Runners Officers must raise a minimum of $50 to participate Register Online Sign a waiver Receive a t-shirt

Raise Money to Participate Why pay the $50 yourself, when you can easily fundraise by selling Torch Run merchandise. Collect a donation from your friends and family and they receive a t-shirt or hat as a token of our appreciation T-shirts minimum donation of $20 Merchandise will be drop shipped to you based upon your requested quantity or you can work with your area coordinators to get the order All unsold items must be returned Merchandise Order form found online at www.kansastorchrun.org/resources

Where does the money go?? 100% of funds raised by the LETR go to provide programs and services to SOKS

How do you enjoy your efforts? Going beyond the fundraising

Experience Experience the joy on an athlete’s face as you place a medal around their neck! Law enforcement officers are the primary medal presenters at Special Olympic Competitions. State Summer Games Bowling Tournaments Basketball Tournaments Softball Tournaments Soccer and Bocce Tournaments Winter Games

Fundraising Events and Beyond What else can we do? Fundraising Events and Beyond

Just the Tip of the Iceberg… EVENTS ARE HELD YEAR-ROUND TO RAISE MONEY AND AWARENESS FOR THE ATHLETES

Polar Plunge

Tip-A-Cop One of the easiest fundraisers to coordinate. Officers help service staff and collect “tips” for their efforts at local restaurants.

Truck Convoy

Heroes Pull

Other Fundraising Ideas Tournaments of all kinds Golf Fishing Dodge Ball Basketball Penny Drives Boot Blocks Popcorn Standoff

Sponsorships Lasting Benefits

Local Sponsorships Consider asking local businesses to sponsor your run or make a donation to the cause. Businesses receive statewide marketing benefits based upon their donation amount Local and world wide visibility

Statewide Initiative Who can help?

You are not alone in your efforts… There is an entire network of support that will help you! Executive Council Area Coordinator County Coordinator Agency Coordinator International LETR Council Special Olympics Staff

Statewide Division Map

Resources www.kansastorchrun.org letr.org www.ksso.org

Benefits to You Earn incentive prizes, including trips Network with officers from across the state and internationally Build your resume with extra honors and activities Receive media recognition- LETR Officers are often featured for their work. Have a positive presence in the community- be a recognized figure BE A HERO!

More Benefits.. Give citizens the opportunity to see officers volunteering in the community Recognition- agencies that raise over $3,500 are listed on the support shirts Top 10 Fundraising agencies are listed on the runner’s shirts Awards- LaMunyon Hall of Fame, International Awards

Special Olympics Kansas Where does the money go? Special Olympics Kansas

Special Olympics Kansas Special Olympics Kansas is dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities to become physically fit, productive and respected members of society through sports competitions, health and nutrition programs and leadership development. Offering year- round initiatives to children and adults with intellectual disabilities, Special Olympics Kansas is a platform for acceptance and inclusion as well as one of the largest advocates for healthy lifestyles in the state – regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or cultural differences.

Helping athletes of Special Olympics Helping athletes of Special Olympics! If you give them a chance, they will change your life!

“First to Carry the Torch” Still lighting the way…

Special Olympics Kansas letr@ksso.org 913.236.9290 QUESTIONS? Special Olympics Kansas letr@ksso.org 913.236.9290