NORMAL, Ill. – Beginning Thursday, June 4, law enforcement officers across Illinois will take to the streets, highways and roads of the state, carrying the Special Olympics torch to help raise funds for their hometown sports heroes – the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois. About 3,000 officers representing every branch of law enforcement will cover the 23 legs of the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run. (Download Leg  Kickoffs and Route Map). 

The Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run is the single largest year-round fund-raising event benefiting Special Olympics Illinois. This intrastate relay and its various fundraisers have two goals: to raise money and increase public awareness for the athletes of Special Olympics. Each year, officers in Illinois run more than 1,500 miles carrying the Flame of Hope through the streets of their hometowns and deliver it to the State Summer Games in Normal in June. 

On Friday, June 12, legs of the run from all over the state will converge on Normal. That evening at dusk, in a dramatic moment during Opening Ceremonies of the Special Olympics Illinois State Summer Games, officers from every leg of the Torch Run will enter Illinois State University’s Hancock Stadium with torches lit and hand off the “Flame of Hope” to Special Olympics athletes. When the cauldron is lit and the games declared open, 3,800 athletes will continue three days of competition and celebration. 

When it began in 1986, the Law Enforcement Torch Run raised $14,000 in Illinois. It has since grown into the largest fundraiser for Special Olympics Illinois, raising more than $16.825 million since 1986. The Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run raised $2.2 million in 2008, making it the fifth highest grossing program in the world. 

Perhaps one of the most motivating factors for law enforcement officers is the knowledge that their efforts will benefit the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois. “We are involved in the Torch Run because it’s such a genuine project,” says Joe Peña, director of the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run and Chief of the Channahon Police Department. “We’re helping Special Olympics athletes truly experience sports and competition while building life skills.” 

2009 Torch Run sponsors are: Presenting Sponsors – Dunkin’ Donuts and Shop ’n Save; Gold Medal Sponsor – Illinois Knights of Columbus; Silver Medal Sponsor – Coca-Cola; Bronze Medal Sponsors – CARQUEST, Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, Illinois Sheriffs’ Association, Kane County Chiefs of Police Association; Geico and Macy’s. 

“Thanks to the Law Enforcement Torch Run and its corporate sponsors, Special Olympics Illinois is better able to reach more athletes and offer them more year-round training and competition opportunities. Special Olympics Illinois athletes are able to participate in the program free of charge thanks to sponsors like the Law Enforcement Torch Run,” says Doug Snyder, Special Olympics Illinois president and CEO. “Special Olympics programs help the more than 22,000 current athletes in Illinois develop improved physical fitness and self-esteem.” 

In addition to donations for running, officers raise funds in various ways throughout the year, including Polar Plunges, rooftop sits, raffles, bike rides, golf tournaments, bowl-a-thons, concerts and more. 

To get involved in Law Enforcement Torch Run activities in your area, call Jeff Henson at Special Olympics Illinois (1-800-394-0562) or email him at jhenson@soill.org or contact your local law enforcement agency.

Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit organization offering year-round training and competition in 19 sports for more than 22,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics programs enhance physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills and encourage family support. 

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