The Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force is making plans to re-introduce the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The LETR is staged to benefit Special Olympics (SO) and is, internationally, Special Olympics largest grassroots fundraiser. The event also serves to sensitize the public and increase awareness for Special Olympics
The LETR for Special Olympics is an international series of relays by law enforcement officers to raise money for Specials Olympics. A Torch Run is held each year in every state throughout the United States and several countries around the world.
The Torch Run began in 1981, when Police Chief Richard Lamunyon, of Wichita, Kansas, saw an urgent need to raise funds for and increase awareness for Special Olympics.
The Torch Run creates deserved reception of the abilities of individuals with mental retardation.
The first Torch Run was held in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 1991.
In 1995, the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force staged its most successful run, raising over $40,000, which assisted the local Special Olympics Team to participate in the 1995 Special Olympics World Games in Connecticut, USA. During the games, among other notable achievements, the football team that participated in the five-a-side competition was crowned World Champions.
Plans are being made to have police officers run Torches from both sides of the island, culminating at the opening ceremony of the local Special Olympics Games, on Nov. 8, at Victoria Park.
(Police PR Dept.)