FARMINGTON – It’s the 26th annual Maine Law Enforcement Torch Run. Over 600 members of Maine law enforcement will be running across the state of Maine from June 8-11 carrying the Flame of Hope to raise funds for and an awareness of Special Olympics Maine.
The Torch Run began in 1981 in Wichita, Kansas by Police Chief Richard LaMunyon. He knew there was an urgent need for funds at Special Olympics and he also wanted to get his officers involved in the community. After three years of very successful runs, LaMunyon took his idea to the International Association of Chiefs of Police and received enthusiastic support. To this day the run is sponsored by the IACP. In 1984 the Torch Run was brought to Maine by then Chief Robert Bell. (Chief Bell passed away last year, the 25th anniversary of the Maine LETR. Runner shirts this year have been designed in his honor/memory). Today the run is held in all 50 states and over 100 countries.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run is one of Maine’s largest fundraising events for Special Olympics. Officers will begin in Berwick 6:30 a.m. today, June 8 and will run the torch to Kittery. On Wednesday the Torch will then make its way to Brunswick from several different Legs. The torch will also be coming south from as far away as Fort Kent.
On Thursday, June 10, the run will begin in Farmington at the Dunkin Donuts on the Wilton Road and culminate at the Maine State Police Barracks in Skowhegan. In addition to Law Enforcement runners Sugarloaf/Ambulance Rescue Vehicles has agreed to escort runners to Skowhegan. Thirty-four local businesses have pledged their support to the torch run by donating to the cause so please come out and support your local runners.
All legs will culminate at the University of Maine Orono on Friday, June 11th for the parade and Opening Ceremonies of the Special Olympics State Summer Games. (6 p.m.)
Last year’s Torch Run raised over $200,000 for Special Olympics Maine and, with a more than $1 million annual budget, those are much needed funds. For more information on the Maine Law Enforcement Torch Run please call Lisa Bird at SOME at 879-0489 or by email at LBIRD@maine.rr.com
