The Law Enforcement Torch Run began in 1981 when Wichita, Kansas Police Chief Richard LaMunyon saw a need to raise funds and
awareness for Special Olympics. He conceived the idea of the Torch Run as a way to involve local law enforcement with their
communities and Special Olympics, by running a torch relay from one side of the city to the other.
Almost 30 years later, the Torch Run has grown to include more 100 separate runs in over 35 countries. In 2009, more than
85,000 law enforcement officers raised more that $34 million to support community based sport programs for people with intellectual
disabilities. The Torch Run has become the largest grassroots fundraising event for Special Olympics.
Today, the Torch Run is much more than just a run. Law enforcement serves as an umbrella to various fundraising activities.
One of those fundraising activities is the POLAR PLUNGE.
A Polar Plunge is a unique opportunity to support Special Olympics Colorado athletes by taking a flying leap – a leap into
the frigid waters of a Colorado lake. All proceeds collected by plungers benefit the more than 11,000 Special Olympics athletes
across the state of Colorado. In three years, plunges have raised nearly $300,000 for Special Olympics Colorado.
This years POLAR PLUNGE will be at Chatfield reservoir, February 11, 2012. For more information, please go to:
http://www.specialolympicsco.org/special_events/polar_plunge.html
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