photos courtesy of Boyd Loving’s Facebook page
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, the 2023 Law Enforcement Torch Run Special Olympics made its way through the Village of Ridgewood shortly after 1030 hours on Friday, June 9th. Several Ridgewood Police officers and supervisors participated in the event.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics is a global fundraising and awareness campaign organized by law enforcement officers to support Special Olympics athletes. The Torch Run involves law enforcement personnel carrying the “Flame of Hope” torch and running or cycling it through communities, culminating in the lighting of the Special Olympics cauldron to mark the start of the Special Olympics Games.
The LETR began in 1981 when Wichita, Kansas Police Chief Richard LaMunyon saw the need to support Special Olympics and decided to involve law enforcement officers in a run to raise funds and awareness for the organization. The initiative quickly gained momentum, and it has since grown into a worldwide movement involving thousands of law enforcement agencies in more than 100 countries.
The main goal of the Law Enforcement Torch Run is to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics, a global organization that provides sports training and competition opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The funds raised through various events, such as torch runs, polar plunges, and other activities, help support Special Olympics programs, including training, equipment, and athlete support.
Law enforcement officers participate in the Torch Run by carrying the “Flame of Hope” torch across their communities, passing it from hand to hand. The torch relay typically covers long distances, often spanning across cities, states, or even countries, with various stops and events along the way. The Torch Run culminates at the Special Olympics Opening Ceremonies, where the final torchbearer lights the cauldron to symbolize the beginning of the Games.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run is a powerful symbol of solidarity and inclusiveness, showcasing the commitment of law enforcement officers to support and celebrate the abilities of Special Olympics athletes. It fosters positive relationships between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve, promoting acceptance, respect, and inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
