TORCH RUN PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is a fundraising program to support the ongoing training and competition opportunities for athletes involved in Special Olympics. The program is operated through the combined efforts of all Law Enforcement Agencies operating in the Province of Saskatchewan. In fact this program is operated throughout Canada and in 19 other countries including the United States, Grand Cayman, Trinidad and Tobago, St. Kitts and the United Kingdom, China, Netherlands, Russia, Poland, Cyprus. Each local RCMP Detachment, Municipal Police Service, and other local Law Enforcement Agencies plan the run and the specific details of fundraising and related events for their community.

The Law Enforcement Torch run started in 1983 in Kansas with a run from Topeka to Kansas City, it raised $15,000.00. The first runs held in Saskatchewan occurred in 1987, they involved over 500 runners and raised almost $ 15,000.00. The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest fundraising event supporting Special Olympics in the Province of Saskatchewan and contributes 25% of the overall funds required annually to operate all levels of the program. The Torch Run is endorsed by the Canadian and International Association of Chiefs of Police.

The goals of the Law Enforcement Torch Run are:

• to raise funds in support of the athletes involved with Special Olympics Saskatchewan. These funds are used specifically to support local athlete training programs, competitions and to provide training for volunteer coaches and volunteer administrators.

• to promote awareness and understanding of the athletes involved in the Special Olympics.

• to involve Saskatchewan Law Enforcement personnel in a program that makes a positive contribution to improving the quality of life in their community.

Each local Law Enforcement Agency is encouraged to get to know their local Special Olympic clubs and to involve them whenever practical in the Torch Run.

THE LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN
	In 1981, Wichita Kansas Police Chief Richard LaMunyon inspired the first Law Enforcement Torch Run to raise money and awareness for his local Special Olympics Chapter. The program, which arose from LaMunyon's desire to involve Law enforcement officers in a community-based project, included only a handful of officers who carried the Special Olympics torch to City Hall.
Today, the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is a worldwide event. More than 100,000 officers from more than 24 countries participate in this annual event. This unique group of caring individuals raise up to $28 million annually for Special Olympics.
	In Saskatchewan Law Enforcement Agencies from across the Province take pride in fundraising for Special Olympics. In addition to the Torch Run these dedicated individuals fundraise year round to support Special Olympics Saskatchewan. Over the last 16 years The Law Enforcement Torch run has provided Special Olympics Saskatchewan with close to 1.5 million dollars.