Law Enforcement

All around the world, Special Olympics has a formidable and caring legion of protectors and supporters: the law enforcement community.  

The signature event of the law enforcement community's year-round support of Special Olympics is the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run.
 
Every year, for nearly 25 years, the "flame of hope" has traversed Florida in an intrastate relay of simultaneous routes throughout the state, covering countless thousands of miles.  The torch is carried by local and state law enforcement officers all the way to the Opening Ceremonies of Florida's annual State Summer Games.
 
The Torch Run began its existence as the S.O.M.E. (Special Olympics Mileage Event) Run, when a handful of officers ran the "Flame of Hope" throughout the state in an exhausting, non-stop run.  Soon, the S.O.M.E. Run gained momentum and law enforcement agencies throughout Florida became involved and the S.O.M.E. Run would go on to become the Florida Law Enforcement Torch Run.
 
The Florida Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest annual public relations and fund raising event amongst Special Olympics Florida and law enforcement agencies.  Statewide, the participating chiefs, officers, sheriffs, deputies, agents and cadets from virtually every branch of federal, state, county and municipal law enforcement, represent a total of over 300 different agencies. Gene Stokes of the Hillsborough County Sheriff?s Office (retired), serves as the volunteer State Director of the Torch Run for Florida.
 
Funds are generated through the sale of the popular Torch Run T-shirts and hats, and through various local fundraising events. You can support Special Olympics Florida and your local law enforcement agency by taking part in one of the many fun events they hold throughout the year or by buying this year's Law Enforcement Torch Run commemorative t-shirt or hat.
 
If you are a member of the law enforcement community and would like information on how to get involved, contact Laura Collins Law Enforcement Torch Run Manager, at 352-243-9536 x522.

>> Torch Run 2011

Law enforcement officers from over 300 Florida agencies (police departments, sheriff's offices, Florida Department of Corrections, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Agency, U.S. Customs, Air Force Police and Marine Patrol) all participate in the state-wide torch run to benefit the athletes of Special Olympics Florida. Each year, over 3,000 officers carry the torch on a 1500-mile relay through more than 60 counties in Florida.

Funds are generated through contributions from individuals and businesses along the way and through sales of the popular Torch Run T-shirts and caps.

This event is held each year prior to Special Olympics Florida State Summer Games. The intrastate torch relay will start at the end of March and culminate at the Opening Ceremonies on May 13, 2011. Officers from around the state join together to bring the "Flame of Hope" into the stadium.

Sponsorships

There are several levels of sponsorship available with benefits for local and statewide exposure. The Law Enforcement Torch Run attracts countless media exposure statewide and is the largest fundraising and public awareness project for Special Olympics Florida.

Premier Sponsor:

Gold Sponsors:

St. Lucie and surrounding counties are on the following leg and schedule for the 2011 Torch Run:

Key West Leg
Monroe			April 1
Miami-Dade			April 8
Broward			April 7
Palm Beach			April 13
Martin			April 14
St. Lucie			April 15
Indian River			April 19
Brevard			April 28