Heather Ainsely
Reporter3@riverbendnews.org
On Friday, April 8, residents of Suwannee County added their steps to the collective miles run by law enforcement communities all across Florida in honor of the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) fundraiser for Special Olympics Florida. Members of the community gathered at Suwannee High School to run one-mile in an effort to show solidarity, compassion and support for the Special Olympics. The LETR is the largest public awareness vehicle and grass-roots fundraiser for Special Olympics. Known honorably as “Guardians of the Flame,” law enforcement members belonging to over 300 Florida agencies take turns carrying a torch, known as the “Flame of Hope,” while running a relay in their community before passing it along to the next county. Each year, nearly 10,000 dedicated and compassionate law enforcement members carry the Flame of Hope on a 1,500-mile relay across 67 Florida counties to the Opening Ceremony of the annual State Summer Games, which begin in May. Beginning in March and April, these Torch Runs crisscross the state of Florida, not only carrying the Flame of Hope to the State Summer Games, but raising money, awareness and support for the Special Olympics along the way, lighting the way for over 38,500 athletes. This fundraiser engages law enforcement members, enabling them to champion acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities, starting first in their own communities.
Special Olympics Florida provides year-round sports training, competition and health services to children and adults with intellectual disabilities, at no cost to the athletes or their caregivers, to facilitate physical fitness, self-esteem, socialization skills and life skills. Proceeds collected at fundraiser events during the Torch Runs help fund resources provided by Special Olympics.
Founder of LETR and retired Chief Richard LaMunyon once said, “What began 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.” Thank you to Chief Keith Davis and the members of the Live Oak Police Department, Sheriff Sam St. John with the Suwannee County Sheriff's Office and Department of Corrections members with the Suwannee County Correctional Institute, for your role as Guardians of the Flame, helping to spread awareness, acceptance and compassion for the Special Olympics in your community with this year's Torch Run. When it comes to acceptance and respect for all citizens in the community, every step counts.