Since its inception in 1981, LETR has been the largest public awareness and grassroots fundraising vehicle for local Special Olympics programs that engages law enforcement officers, employees and volunteers worldwide to champion acceptance and inclusion for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

“What started in 1981 as a flicker of hope for one of the most marginalized populations in the world has now become a roaring flame of stability for Special Olympics worldwide,” Chief Richard LaMunyon, Founder of LETR, said. “I never dreamed that one torch run would lead us down a path where today we are celebrating raising a billion dollars for Special Olympics!”

For the past 42 years, over 100,000 law enforcement officers have been the single largest campaigners for Special Olympics programs by holding various events including Polar Plunges, Plane Pulls and Tip-A-Cop events to raise funds and global awareness for the programs that serve the IDD community.

Thank you to all the law enforcement officers—old and new—for your continuous efforts in making this a reality!

But the excitement doesn’t end here—stay connected and get involved to see what LETR for Special Olympics Washington is up to next!