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The Kansas State Troopers Association Proudly Supports the Kansas Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics
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The mission of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is to
raise funds for and awareness of the Special Olympics movement
worldwide. Special Olympics is a program that daily reaffirms our
beliefs that with hope, love and dedication we can see achievement and
self-worth realized by any individual. It is our belief that persons
with mental retardation by their involvement in Special Olympics show
the community at large the true meaning of sports and a pure joy towards
life. To further the Special Olympics philosophy, law enforcement carry a torch, representing the "Flame of Hope" and dedicate itself to the goals of continually increasing awareness and funds for Special Olympics athletes worldwide. The Law Enforcement Torch Run Began in Kansas in 1981. Wichita Police Chief Richard LaMunyon saw a need to raise funds for and awareness for Special Olympics. LaMunyon felt Special Olympics was a fitting cause to unite local law enforcement officers by giving them closer ties to the community, and to a very special population. After three years of successful runs in Kansas, LaMunyon presented the program to the International Chiefs's of Police (IACP). With the IACP"s enthusiastic support and leadership, the Torch Run expanded into seven states by 1985, 43 states by 1986, and all 50 states, and several foreign countries by 1987. Today, the number of foreign countries has risen to 31. |
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 Kansas Officers are proud to proclaim "FIRST TO CARRY THE TORCH" |
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The Kansas Law Enforcement Torch Run currently involves over 1000
officers running over 1500 miles of Kansas roadways to make their way to
Wichita, and officially open the Summer Games at Wichita
 State
University. Prior to the run, officers collect donations through t-shirt
sales, golf tournaments, fishing tournaments and a variety of other
fundraisers. With the assistance of each officer, each individual
contributor and the generosity of corporate partners, the Law
Enforcement Torch Run has become the largest grassroots fundraiser for
Special Olympics in Kansas and around the world. |
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In 1968, Eunice Kennedy Shriver founded Special Olympics with the
conviction that person with mental retardation could benefit from
completive sports. Today, with over one million participating athletes,
Special Olympics is the world's largest program for children and adults
with mental retardation. Special Olympics was founded on the belief that with proper instruction and encouragement people with mental retardation can learn, enjoy and benefit form participation in individual and team sports adapted as necessary to meet the needs of those with mental and physical disabilities. Through this training and competition the athletes benefit physically, mentally, socially and spiritually. Participation in Special Olympics includes improved physical fitness, motor skills, greater self confidence, a positive self image, friendships and increased family support. Special Olympics' athletes carry these benefits with them into their daily lives at home, in the classroom, on the job and in the community. |
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For more information about Special Olympics
For more information about Kansas Special Olympics
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