The Mission of the Montana Law Enforcement Torch Run® in partnership with our communities is to support Special Olympics Montana Programs through raising funds and public awareness, while enhancing the quality of life of our athletes. History: The Law Enforcement Torch Run® began in 1981 when Kansas Police Chief Richard LaMunyon saw an urgent need to raise funds for and increase public awareness of Special Olympics. After three years of successful runs in Kansas, Chief LaMunyon presented the program to the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). With the IACP’s enthusiastic support and leadership, the Torch Run expanded into seven states by 1985 and 43 states by 1986. Currently all 50 states and over 35 countries have Torch Run programs. Today: The Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) for Special Olympics is an annual international program which involves thousands of Law Enforcement personnel raising millions of dollars annually to benefit Special Olympics programs in the U.S. The Torch Run is the largest grassroots fund-raiser and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics; raising more than $370 million since its inception. Montana: The Torch Run began in Montana in 1985. Since then, over $4 million dollars has been raised for Special Olympics Montana athletes! In 2011, the Montana Torch Run raised over $530,000 for Montana’s athletes and received international acclaim for their fund raising efforts. The Montana Torch Run was awarded the Emerald Award – an award for Level of Excellence in raising over $500,000. In 2010, the Montana Torch Run was recognized as the 4th Highest per Capita Fundraising Program in the world – a major achievement for our small state! This remarkable feat was accomplished through the statewide Torch Run, special event fundraisers, sponsorship pledges and Torch Run T-shirt sales.
