All around the world, Special Olympics has a formidable and caring
legion of protectors and supporters: the law enforcement community. The
signature event of the law enforcement community’s year-round support
is the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics Florida.
Law enforcement officers from over 300 Florida agencies — Florida Highway Patrol, police
departments, sheriff’s offices, Florida Department of Corrections,
Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Federal Bureau of Investigation,
Drug Enforcement Agency, U.S. Customs, Air Force Police and Florida Fish
and Wild Life Conservation Commission (FWCC) — all participate in the
state-wide torch run to benefit the athletes of Special Olympics
Florida. Each year, over 5,000 officers carry the torch on a 1500-mile
relay through 67 counties in Florida to the Opening Ceremony of our annual State Summer Games.
Chief Deputy
Dan Weis of the Osceola County
Sheriff’s Office serves as the volunteer State Director of the Torch Run.
Funds are generated through the sale of the popular Torch Run
T-shirts and hats, and through various local fundraising events like Tip-A-Cop where
law enforcement personnel volunteer their time as “celebrity waiters”
in restaurants and receive tips to raise funds for Special Olympics
Florida. These officers work closely alongside the regular wait staff,
serving water and coffee, and acting as hosts.
You can
support Special Olympics Florida and your local law enforcement agency
by taking part in one of the many fun events they hold throughout the
year or by buying annual Torch Run commemorative
t-shirts or hats. Contact your local law enforcement agency to get yours.
Contact us to learn more, get involved, or to share events you are hosting in your local area.
There are several levels of sponsorship available with benefits for
local and statewide exposure. The Law Enforcement Torch Run attracts
countless media exposure statewide and is the largest fundraising and
public awareness project for Special Olympics Florida.
The Power of Inclusion
Short video featuring the Lewis Family on how their association with the Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics Florida have made an impact on their family.
How It All Got Started
For over 40 years, members of law enforcement around the world have been the biggest supporters of Special Olympics as members of the Law Enforcement Torch Run. What started as a small local fundraiser in Wichita, Kansas has grown to be the largest public awareness vehicle and grassroots fundraiser for Special Olympics, providing opportunities for athletes to empower and transform themselves, their communities and the world.
