Guardians of the Flame

“Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.” - Special Olympics Athletes’ Oath

The peacekeepers of our country face imminent danger and serve tirelessly to protect fellow citizens. Few professions, such as law enforcement, necessitate a noble willingness to lay down one’s life to serve humanity, but there remains to be an untold story. It is an account of how law enforcement officials go above and beyond the requirements of the job to serve those that are the most vulnerable. The Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) validates the selflessness of officials from around the world. The premise of the Torch Run is two-fold, as it raises both awareness and proceeds for Special Olympics.

The Torch Run for Special Olympics was established in 1981 by Wichita, Kansas Police Chief Richard LaMunyon as a grassroots effort to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics. LaMunyon deemed this to be a beneficial vehicle for law enforcement officials to invest into their communities as well as an opportunity to cast officers in a positive light. Police officers, sheriff's deputies, correction officers, support staff, police volunteers and other law enforcement professionals from around the world have joined forces to participate in this campaign.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run was quickly accepted by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). Since its inception, The Torch Run has grown to nearly 100,000 law enforcement professionals from 35 nations. In 2013, law enforcement officials raised more than $50 million and have worked to generate over $500 million since 1981 for Special Olympics.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is a mission of hope, compassion and inclusion. Officials carry the Flame of Hope to local, national, and international games. It is used similarly to the Olympic Flame for the Olympic Games. After it is ignited, it is transferred on foot by officials and Special Olympic athletes throughout the hosting country to spread awareness for those living with disabilities.

The Olympic Flame and Flame of Hope signify purity and the effort toward perfection. Their origin is deeply rooted in Greek mythology where it was asserted that Prometheus had taken the fire from Zeus to give to the mortals. Ancient Greece used the torch during the celebration of the Olympic Games, but its popularity didn’t resurface until the Olympic Games in Amsterdam in the 1920’s. It remains as a contemporary icon of Olympic and Special Olympic Games and is an esteemed honor to carry.

In May 2015, the Special Olympics’ Torch of Hope was ignited near Athens, Greece by the sun’s rays at a formal lighting ceremony. The torch was lit months before the Special Olympic World Games in Los Angeles to embark upon a time of celebration. The Flame is handed to Law Enforcement Torch Run officials and Special Olympics’ athletes as it begins its celebratory journey. Law enforcement members and Special Olympic athletes serve as “Guardians of the Flame” where they briefly carry the torch throughout the streets of Athens. The flame is then entrusted to the Presidential Guard for security before it is passed on to the hosting country prior to the Games.

After the Flame of Hope was transferred to the United States for the Special Olympics World Games in Los Angeles, it was greeted with community celebrations and festivities. Over the course of 46 days and over 20,000 miles, The Flame traveled through all 50 states as it made its way across the United States. Thousands gathered to run, walk, or ride a bike in the first ever “unified” relay across America where supporters generated $1.6 million for Special Olympics.

After its arrival in Los Angeles, the “last leg” officials of the Law Enforcement Torch Run paired with Special Olympic athletes to receive the Flame of Hope at Dodger Stadium. The team of international officials and athletes carried the Flame to 120 cities and towns in California prior to the commencement of the Games on July 25.

Of the near 100,000 international law enforcement volunteers that sustain the Torch Run, North Idaho is home to two very special supporters. David and Andrea Kramer of Boundary County have given their careers to serving in law enforcement. David is a retired police chief that served for over 30 years, and Andrea has worked in dispatch as well as for the sheriff’s department.

The Kramers began volunteering with the Torch Run after David assisted with a local fundraiser for a Bonners Ferry resident suffering from Multiple Sclerosis. In 1987, the Kramers embarked upon their journey with the Torch Run and have had the opportunity to travel and participate throughout the world in show of support. The Kramers affirm that “a huge part of this is bringing awareness and getting people involved to support the athletes.”

The Kramers also state that this campaign brings so much in return to the officers. Those that participate in the Torch Run “get hooked” and want to keep contributing. The Torch Run is an opportunity to boost morale within a department. Officers find that they are impacted by the athletes, and the Kramers indicate that they make life-long friends. David states, “The athletes are all ages and are so appreciative and thankful. We get to see how they grow.”

In addition to utilizing the Torch Run to spark awareness throughout the world, law enforcement officials conduct regular campaigns to raise funds in support of Special Olympics. Officers participate in a variety of fundraising activities that include innovative ideas such as Tip-a-Cop, the Penguin Plunge, and Cop on Top.

The Tip-a-Cop event allows officers to trade in their handcuffs and join forces with local restaurants to earn money for Special Olympics. Officers work in conjunction with wait staff and are introduced as Celebrity Waiters. Patrons are not required to contribute but can leave an additional tip in a designated envelope. As little as $5 can buy a medal and $20 can purchase a uniform for an athlete. On October 24th, North Idaho law enforcement will be participating in the Tip a Cop fundraiser at Applebee’s located on 280 W. Hanley Avenue in Coeur d’Alene.

Since 1981, law enforcement officials from around the world have been collaborating and supporting this endeavor of hope, compassion, and inclusion. Officers have joined forces to show global unity in support of Special Olympics. They work tirelessly to serve and protect their home communities while going above the call of duty to cultivate this mission of inclusion. If you would like to get involved or for more information, visit: www.letr.org.

“The mission of the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics is to increase awareness and raise funds for the Special Olympics movement. Each year, the LETR initiative grows bigger and better.”

#events #entertainment #local #sports #Outdoors