Heather Ainsley
ECB Publishing, Inc.
On Friday, April 15, members of Jefferson County and Leon County law enforcement added their steps to the collective miles run by law enforcement communities all across Florida in honor of the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run fundraiser for Special Olympics Florida. Members of the Monticello Police Department, Leon County Sheriff's Department and Jefferson County Correctional Institute gathered at the Jefferson County Courthouse in preparation for a 1-mile run through the heart of Monticello in an effort to show solidarity, compassion and support for Special Olympics.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is the largest public awareness vehicle and grass-roots fundraiser for Special Olympics. Known honorably as “Guardians of the Flame,” law enforcement members belonging to over 300 Florida agencies take turns carrying a torch, known as the “Flame of Hope,” while running a relay in their community before passing it along to the next county. Each year, nearly 10,000 dedicated and compassionate law enforcement members carry the Flame of Hope on a 1,500 mile relay across 67 Florida counties to the Opening Ceremony of our annual State Summer Games, which begin in May.
Beginning in March and April, these Torch Runs crisscross the state of Florida, not only carrying the Flame of Hope to the State Summer Games, but raising money, awareness and support for the Special Olympics along the way, lighting the way for over 38,500 athletes. This fundraiser engages law enforcement members, enabling them to champion acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities, starting first in their own communities.
Special Olympics Florida provides year-round sports training, competition and health services to children and adults with intellectual disabilities, at no cost to the athletes or their caregivers, as a means to facilitate physical fitness, self esteem, socialization skills and life skills. Proceeds collected at fundraiser events during the Torch Runs help fund resources provided by Special Olympics.
Founder of LETR, and retired Chief Richard LaMunyon once said, “What began in 1981..as a flicker of hope for Special Olympics has now become a roaring flame of stability for Special Olympics athletes worldwide. Through the partnership of LETR and Special Olympics, we provide opportunities for athletes to empower and transform themselves, their communities and the world. LETR is changing the future for people with intellectual disabilities and lighting the way for acceptance and inclusion.”
Thank you to Chief Fred Mosley and the members of Monticello Police Department, Sgt. Mike Wallace with the Leon County Sheriff's Office, and Department of Corrections members with the Jefferson County Correctional Institute, for your role as Guardians of the Flame, helping to spread awareness, acceptance and compassion for the Special Olympics in your community with this year's Torch Run. When it comes to acceptance and respect for all citizens in our community, every step counts.