History of LETR
1978
Chief Richard LaMunyon invited and attended the SOKS State Summer Games!
- Chief attends SOKS Summer Games and has an encounter that changed the course of history in regards to Law Enforcement and Special Olympics!
- Chief wasn’t sure exactly what it was going to look like but knew the WPD was going to get involved with Special Olympics Kansas.
- Chief goes back to the department and puts together an in-house committee of officers and personnel from all sections of the department with a goal to find a way to support SOKS.
1981
The idea of a Torch Run emerges.
1981
A “flicker of hope” is born with the inaugural Torch Run. Photo of Original Torch and Tank top?
- WPD members Jack Leon, Walt Kuykendall, Barney Ipsen, Jan McCloud, and Bob Bachman along with SOKS CEO, Kirk Miles, run the Torch 5 miles from Wichita City Hall to Wichita South High School.
- As they arrive a roar of support and approval from the athletes and their families can be heard.
- $300 raised for Special Olympics Kansas
1982
Chief LaMunyon and SOKS CEO Kirk Miles travel to Washington, DC to meet with Eunice Kennedy Shriver and pitch the idea of LETR.
- Chief, invited Eunice to come to Kansas Special Olympics Summer Games in 1983. She agreed to attend.
- Chief also began discussions with IACP and Chief Joe Casey with the Nashville PD who was on going for VP of the IACP executive council.
1983
Eunice Kennedy Shriver attends Kansas Summer games.
After seeing the amazing impact the officers had on the athletes and the athletes on the officers, she gave her blessing to partner with LETR not just in Kansas but on a bigger scale
1983-84
The IACP adopts the LETR movement.
- IACP establishes a LETR committee. Chief LaMunyon was the chairman.
- Chief LaMunyon was later on the IACP executive council and Joe Casey was the president.
1987
Inaugural Final Leg
- July 30-August 2 a team of 57 law enforcement officers participate in carrying the “Flame of Hope” from Chicago, Illinois to South Bend, Indiana, the site of the 7th International Special Olympics Summer Games. Known today as “World Summer and Winter Games.”
- The Final Leg occurs every two years kicking off the World Summer and Winter Games.
WHAT THE LETR IS TODAY
LETR and Events
- The Torch Run itself is a running event where officers, athletes, and sponsors run the “Flame of Hope” to the Opening Ceremonies of local competitions, state games and National and global games.
- Intent is to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Athletes around the world.
Tip-A-Cop
- Focusing on the “Serve” part of Protect and Serve, the Tip A Cop is an engaging LETR fundraiser where members of law enforcement team up with servers at local restaurants to collect donations for Special Olympics.
- Officers educate diners about LETR and the positive impact it has in their communities.
LETR Cop-On-Top
- Dedicated Officers go to great Heights
- Fundraiser where law enforcement team up with local businesses and can be found camping on the rooftops collecting donations for Special Olympics.
LETR Polar Plunge
- The original “Freezin’ for a reason.”
- A fun, unique and engaging opportunity for citizens, businesses, and law enforcement can support Special Olympics by raising funds and awareness by jumping into frigid waters.
LETR Heroes Pull
- Kansas comes together to pull a Firetruck and a SWAT bearcat for time while raising awareness and funds for SOKS.
- This is a great way to engage Law Enforcement agencies, fire departments, local gyms, companies, colleges and any local community in the LETR movement.
LETR Truck Convoy
- Unites truckers from all over North America to convoy with local law enforcement agencies in a full ceremonial procession on highways, interstates, and local streets to support Special Olympics during a one day event full of awareness and fundraising.
- This is one of the most visually impressive events LETR participates in.
Numbers from 2022 Funds and Participation
- Surpassing the $1 billion mark
- 90,200 LEOs- 19,160 SO Athletes- 21,986 volunteers- 2,960 military- Total 134,306 Participating in LETR events
- 93 LETR Programs in 25 different nations!
