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

3. Where it all began…
The Law Enforcement Torch Run began here Kansas in 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

4. 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!

5. 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!

6. When does the Torch Run occur?
Year Round Initiative!

7. 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!

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

9. A picture paints a thousand words
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Athletes can often be seen running with devoted officers that support them.

10. 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.

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

12. 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

13. 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

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

15. How do you enjoy your efforts?
Going beyond the fundraising

17. 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

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

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

20. Polar Plunge

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

22. Truck Convoy

23. Heroes Pull

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

25. Sponsorships
Lasting Benefits

26. 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

29. Statewide Initiative
Who can help?

30. 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

31. Statewide Division Map

32. Resources
letr.org

33. 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!

34. 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

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

36. 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.

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

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

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