Starting out from the San Jose Prison, the torch will be carried all the way to Glendale AZ. Local law enforcement and correctional officers teamed together to carry the torch as they walked, jogged, and drove. During the course of the run, the torch traveled over one hundred and eighty-two miles. The Law Enforcement Torch Run is a benefit for the Special Olympics. It is a grass-roots fundraising event. Every year, more than 85,000 law enforcement volunteers participate in the Torch Run. This event is spread through 46 nations, 50 US states, and 12 Canadian provinces.
Kansas Police Chief Richard LaMunyon created the Torch Run. It was his way to involve the local law enforcement with the community in support of the Special Olympics. Now the Torch Run encircles a larger world of fundraising, such as T-shirt sales, and tip-a-cop events. “For athletes and officers alike, the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics is a story of success, love, respect and commitment between law enforcement officers and Special Olympics athletes.”- www.specialolympics.org.
Statistics found here: http://www.specialolympics.org/Sections/Donate/Special_Olympics_Torch_Run.aspx
Photos by: Ida Furnish