Law Enforcement Torch Run
Guardians of the Flame
Since 1986, members of Law Enforcement in Wisconsin have been working to raise awareness for individuals with intellectual disabilities. The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) champions acceptance and inclusion for athletes with intellectual disabilities, promoting equal treatment, and highlighting their unique gifts, talents, and abilities.
LETR Events
Polar Plunge
A Wisconsin Winter Tradition!
Join Special Olympics Wisconsin for the annual Polar Plunge, held at locations across the state each winter. Take the plunge into icy Wisconsin waters between January and March to support Special Olympics athletes. For more information, click HERE.
Tip A Cop
Former bartender or server? You’re in luck!
Texas Roadhouse and Buffalo Wild Wings are teaming up with the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) to engage with customers and raise awareness for Special Olympics. Enjoy a meal at a participating restaurant while local law enforcement officers help serve your dinner! Plus, 10% of your bill will be donated to Special Olympics Wisconsin.
Truck Convoy
Truck Convoy is a national celebration of the trucking industry. Special Olympics Wisconsin, its allied partners, and law enforcement are working together to raise funds for Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes across the state. This event takes place in September. As we get closer to the event, more information will be found HERE.
Cop on a Rooftop
Coffee, doughnuts and cops standing on roofs. Join the LETR movement of standing on a roof in your local community. This event typically takes place during late summer to early fall.
Save the Date: August 14th
Torch Run
The Torch Run is LETR’s largest grassroot fundraiser to build awareness and fundraise for Special Olympics Wisconsin. These runs are all community based leading up to the Final Leg that takes place at Summer Games in June. For more info, click HERE
Competition Volunteers
Year round athletic competitions always need volunteers. There are regional, sectional and state competitions in all sports we offer. Search for an event from our calendar HERE.
Dale Brunner Hall of Fame & WPPA Volunteer of the Year
Two prestigious awards given out over the course of the year. The Dale Brunner Hall of Fame is named after the first LETR State Director, Dale Brunner. Special Olympics Wisconsin created the Dale Brunner Hall of Fame Award In 1999 to recognize Wisconsin’s outstanding individuals who significantly contribute to the continuing statewide success of the Wisconsin LETR.
WPPA Volunteer of the Year was established in 2005 to honor an outstanding WPPA member committed to the mission of Special Olympics Wisconsin. This award is given out every year at the WPPA Convention.
Resources & Recruitment
Thank you for being part of the LETR movement and supporting Special Olympics Wisconsin! The Law Enforcement Torch Run® is an integral part of our SOWI community. Whether you participate in an event, or volunteer at any of our events/competitions, every bit helps. We are always looking to grow our LETR partnerships across the state and we could use your help with this goal!
Recruit within your Agency
Many agencies will use roll call or agency-wide meetings to talk more about the LETR partnership with SOWI and the various ways to get involved. Please let us know if you are doing a presentation and would like a SOWI staff and/or athlete to join you. We are always happy to come talk about our mission and how people can help!
Help recruit other Agencies
Do you have contacts at other agencies that you think would be interested in joining the LETR movement? There’s no better way to get other law enforcement personnel involved than by talking about your experiences and listening to how it has impacted your life and your agency. SOWI has a fast facts document to share all the ways that members of law enforcement can get involved with LETR/Special Olympics WI. Please pass this along to anyone you think would be interested in learning more and feel free to connect them with any of our LETR staff.
“I’ve been working in law enforcement for 25 years, and the last 15 I’ve been involved with Special Olympics Wisconsin and Law Enforcement Torch Run. It has been one of the most rewarding and positive things I’ve done in my career. Everyone working together at these events makes for an uplifting experience for me and everyone involved.”
Officer Andrya Coutts
Madison Police Department
Thank you to our LETR Sponsors!
