Connecticut Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics

The Law Enforcement Torch Run® is Special Olympics' single largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle. The International Torch Run Program raises more than US $42.6 million a year for Special Olympics world-wide. More than 85,000 from 48 nations, 12 Canadian Provinces and 50 states carried the "Flame of Hope" raising awareness and funds for Special Olympics. At its most basic level, the Torch Run is an actual running event where officers and athletes carry the Special Olympics "Flame of Hope" to the Opening Ceremonies of local tournaments, or State, Provincial or National Summer or Winter Games. At its more extensive, the Torch Run program encompasses a variety of fundraising vehicles, in addition to the actual Torch Run, such as T-shirt or merchandise sales, donations or pledges for runners in the Torch Run, corporate donations, and special events such as Penguin Plunges, golf tournaments or other events that have local appeal.