Law Enforcement Torch Run
LETR began in 1981, founded by Chief Richard LaMunyon of Wichita, Kansas, with the vision of creating a partnership between law enforcement and Special Olympics. Over the past 40+ years, the LETR has grown into a global movement, raising over $1 billion for Special Olympics programs worldwide. This year alone, LETR has raised more than $50 million, thanks to the dedication of over 90,000 law enforcement officers worldwide.
Sheriff Kieran Donahue is the Director of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Idaho.
Torch Run 2025
May 21 2025 - June 6 2025
The culmination of the Torch Run is celebrated during the opening ceremonies of the State Summer Games in Nampa on June 6th.
May 21 Moscow, Lewiston, Lapwai
May 22 McCall
May 27 Idaho Falls
May 28 Rigby, Shelley, Blackfoot (TBD), Fort Hall
May 29 Magic Valley Joint Run: Kimberly, Twin Falls, Jerome
June 2 Mountain Home
June 4 Ada County Joint Run
June 6 Canyon County Joint Run
Upcoming LETR Fundrasing Events
May 16, 2025 Texas Roadhouse State Summer Game Fundraiser Nampa
June 8–11, 2025 ICOPA Conference at the Coeur d’Alene Resort & Casino
September 6, 2025 Topgolf Tip-A-Cop
November 20, 2025 Texas Roadhouse Tip-A-Cop (Statewide at 6 Locations): Idaho Falls, Pocatello, Twin Falls, Meridian, Nampa, Coeur d’Alene
February 7, 2026 Kootenai County Polar Plunge at Red Lion Templin’s, Post Falls, ID
About LETR
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Who We Are
The Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics is the largest public awareness vehicle and grass-roots fundraiser for Special Olympics. Known as Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the Flame of Hope into the Opening Ceremony of local competitions, and into Special Olympics State, Provincial, National, Regional and World Games. Annually, more than 110,000 dedicated and compassionate law enforcement members carry the “Flame of Hope,” symbolizing courage and celebration of diversity uniting communities around the globe.
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What We Do
The LETR for Special Olympics Idaho engages law enforcement agencies statewide championing acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities, starting first with their own communities. Over the years the Torch Run has evolved and now encompasses a variety of innovative fundraising platforms to include Polar Plunge, Tip-A-Cop, Baggin for Bucks and more.
Since its inception, LETR has raised almost 900 million dollars worldwide and changed millions of attitudes.
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Why We Do It
As LETR Founder and retired Chief Richard LaMunyon once said, “What started 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.
Ways to Get Involved with LETR
Your participation is vital to the success of the Law Enforcement Torch Run and the athletes it supports. Whether you're an officer, a community member, or a fan of Special Olympics, there’s a way for everyone to be part of the movement.
Join the Run
Law enforcement officers and community members are invited to run alongside the Flame of Hope as it travels through Idaho in celebration of inclusion and unity.
Support Fundraising Events
Attend LETR fundraisers across the state—including the State Summer Games Fundraiser at Texas Roadhouse in Nampa on May 16, 2025—where proceeds directly benefit Special Olympics Idaho athletes, including covering the cost of the Athlete Dinner.
Volunteer
Help bring events to life! From organizing logistics to cheering on athletes, volunteers play a key role in the success of the Torch Run and our statewide competitions.
