LETR

Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest fundraising vehicle for Special Olympics across the globe

In Arizona, law enforcement around the state raise over one million dollars per year that goes directly back to creating increased opportunities for Special Olympics Arizona athletes. Without their support, continued development would be near impossible. In the same respect, we at Special Olympics Arizona would like to ensure that we share not only the impact that law enforcement personnel have had on our community but express our immense gratitude for all that they continue to do.

Special Olympics Arizona is grateful for Law Enforcement Personnel. Through LETR, which raises awareness and financial support for Special Olympics worldwide, law enforcement lends an important hand in celebrating the greatness in all people, especially individuals with intellectual disabilities.

The mission of LETR is to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Arizona (SOAZ) statewide. We carry the Torch representing the Flame of Hope and dedicate ourselves to helping Special Olympics Arizona throughout the state.

The Torch Run program began in 1981, when Wichita, Kansas Chief of Police Richard LaMunyon saw an urgent need to raise funds for and increase awareness of Special Olympics. The idea was simple: provide local law enforcement with opportunities to volunteer with Special Olympics in communities where the officers lived and worked.

The LETR is a series of intra-state/intra-nation runs that take place in the spring and summer in the United States and around the world. Throughout the course of the Torch Run, participants collect contributions from individuals and businesses, asking to help raise support for incredible Special Olympics athletes. The Torch Run is much more than just a run; it is a year-round campaign to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics Arizona. The LETR puts on statewide events such as Tip-a-Cop, Cop on Top of Doughnut Shops, golf tournaments, Polar Plunges, and inmate fundraising just to name a few!

100% of all money raised for the LETR goes directly to support Special Olympics athletes in Arizona and their supporting programs. 95% of all money that is given to Special Olympics Arizona goes directly to support Special Olympics programs and athletes.