WHAT- The 2024 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Ohio presented by Marathon Petroleum
WHEN- June 24-28, 2024
WHERE- Statewide – Click here for route information.
WHO- Officials representing all facets of law enforcement and first responders run, walk, or bike the Flame of Hope hundreds of miles through Ohio communities as the Guardians of the Flame. The torch will be passed on to Special Olympics Ohio athletes at the 2024 State Summer Games Opening Ceremonies taking place at Ohio Stadium on Friday, June 28th. Opening Ceremonies will begin at 7 p.m. Special Olympics Ohio athletes will join law enforcement personnel on many legs of the Torch Run.
WHY- The Law Enforcement Torch Run and its various fundraising projects have two goals: to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics. For more information on Special Olympics Ohio, the 2024 State Summer Games, or the Law Enforcement Torch Run please visit ohiotorchrun.org. Officers should contact LETR State Director, Det. Brandon Long, at blong@hilliardohio.gov.
For MEDIA Outreach:
- Northeast Ohio – Officer Nate Samples: officersamples@Doylestown.com
- Southwest Ohio – Kennon Coleman – Kennon.Coleman@wcsooh.org
- Southeast Ohio – Officer Tim Cunningham: trcunningham@dps.ohio.gov
- Central Ohio/Northwest Ohio – Det. Brandon Long: blong@hilliardohio.gov
- Special Olympics Ohio LETR Liaison: Haley Melcher; hmelcher@sooh.org or 614-239-7050 x302
LETR Photos and LETR logos here
About Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Ohio
The mission of the Law Enforcement Torch Run is to raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics movement. LETR began in 1981 when Wichita, Kansas Police Chief Richard LaMunyon created the Torch Run. He thought the Torch Run would help law enforcement be active in the community and support Special Olympics Kansas. In 1983, Chief LaMunyon presented the program to the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). They decided to endorse Torch Run and became the “Founding Law Enforcement Organization.” With the IACP’s support, LETR became the movement’s largest public awareness and fundraising group for Special Olympics.
About Special Olympics Ohio
Special Olympics Ohio is part of the global inclusion movement using sport, health education, and leadership programs to empower people with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics Ohio provides year-round sports training and competition in 19 different sports for 20,000 children and adults, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.