Frequently Asked Questions about the Law Enforcement Torch Run What is the Torch Run? The Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics is an international series of torch relays, run by law enforcement officers, leading up to each state/provincial or national Special Olympics Summer Games. Law enforcement officers raise money in conjunction with their respective Torch Runs for their local Special Olympics Program. An officer and athlete run with the "Flame of Hope" during the European Torch Run, held in September 2006 as part of the Special Olympics European Youth Games. The Torch Run is Special Olympics' largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle, raising US$21.4 million for Special Olympics Programs around the world in 2005. More than 85,000 law enforcement officers carried the "Flame of Hope" through 35 nations, raising awareness and funds for Special Olympics. Thousands more supported the runners' efforts through Adopt-A-Cop runner sponsorships; local fundraising events; and Torch Run T-shirt (400,000 last year) and other merchandise sales to fellow law enforcement officers, families, friends and the public. Who should I contact to get involved? Check the list of Torch Run Contacts to find the appropriate individual at your local Special Olympics Program or contact the Program directly. To find the Special Olympics Program nearest you, use our Program Locator. What is the Torch Run Executive Council? The Executive Council is charged with managing, promoting, planning, expanding and coordinating Torch Run activities worldwide. Their focus is on regional growth and development as well as international expansion, gaining corporate partnerships for the Torch Run program, planning the International Conference and producing the Final leg for the Special Olympics World Games every two years. What is a Regional Coordinator? The Regional Coordinator is the elected individual responsible for advising and overseeing the development of Torch Run programs in the states/provinces or countries within their region. There are seven regions in the contiguous United States, plus Canada, Europe, Hawaii and the Pacific, and the Caribbean. If any issues arise in the state between personalities, or advice is needed on expansion potential, the Regional Coordinator should be the first person contacted. The Law Enforcement Torch Runs are a very visible, and popular, public awareness vehicle as officers raise money for their local Special Olympics Program. How do the Torch Run programs work with Special Olympics? Special Olympics is a resource for the local programs to help improve their Torch Run efforts. Special Olympics requests that Torch Run programs complete an annual Program Survey to record total funds raised by Torch Run for the year as well as to track best practices for fundraising events and sponsorships. Special Olympics supports the efforts of the Executive Council and disseminates information to programs. What logo should I use? All Torch Run programs should use the official Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics logo. Torch Run programs may "personalize" the logo by adding their state/province or country name above the blue flame box. Contact Anna Berke, +1 (202) 824-0268 or aberke@specialolympics.org for a copy of the Torch Run graphic standards. What other fundraising events can I do? Other possible events include, but are not limited to: Tip-A-Cop, Polar Plunges, Plane Pulls®, billboard or rooftop sits, golf tournaments, trivia nights, T-shirt sales, car washes, Arrest-A-Cops, raffles, etc. that volunteers may design. Visit the Resources & How To's section of this Web site for helpful information for putting on your own creative events. What is the annual Torch Run International Conference? The Torch Run International Conference is an annual event held in late October or early November each year with the goal of training Torch Run volunteers on best practices and sharing ideas and information with programs around the world. Where can I get training on how to do a Torch Run? The International Expansion Committee and Regional Coordinators are charged with assisting programs with their Torch Run training needs. Staff at Special Olympics may also provide materials and videos to introduce you to the Torch Run. Please contact your Special Olympics Torch Run Coordinator to locate those who can assist you.