Hand in hand, local law enforcement and local members of the Idaho Special Olympics team carried a symbolic torch across the Long Bridge, raising awareness and funds for the Nampa Summer Special Olympics Games.  

Since 1981, law enforcement agencies have partnered with the Special Olympics athletes to carry a lit torch across the applicable state before each summer Special Olympics game, mirroring the Olympic torch being carried across the world.  

Special Olympic officials coined law enforcement as the guardians of the flame, for their symbolic partnership and collaboration with the organization. 

In the annual run from North Idaho to Nampa, this year marks the first for the organization to stop at Sandpoint.  

“We had 13 stops on the torch run last year, and we have 20 this year, and Sandpoint is one of our new stops. We added four in the north and three in the east,” Mike Fitch, fundraising manager and law enforcement torch run liaison, said. “It’s growing, and Sandpoint is already talking to us about next year.” 

Local law enforcement from Idaho State Patrol, Ponderay Police, Sandpoint Police and Bonner County Sheriff’s Office participated in the mile run, and Fitch noted that the opportunity was instrumental for representing Idaho’s Special Olympic athletes, ultimately celebrating inclusion and respect for individuals with intellectual disabilities.  

On top of highlighting student athletes, the torch run is a fundraiser to help Special Olympics pay for uniforms, equipment, travel, health screenings, vision, dental and physicals for all the athletes.  

“Since its inception in 1981, LETR (Law Enforcement Torch Run) has raised $1 billion for Special Olympics,” Fitch said. “The benefits are tremendous with Special Olympics; they’re innumerable. And the only way we can help is by getting people to participate in Special Olympics.” 

Starting in Wichita, Kansas, the first fundraiser raised $300 for the organization. Now, it exceeds the $1 billion mark.  

Opening ceremonies will happen at Nampa High School for the summer games, where the official caldron will be lit on May 29 at 6 p.m. by Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue. 

    Participants in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics set off on a mile-long run as part of the organization's annual torch run to kick off the Special Olympics games.
  

    An Idaho State Police trooper leads participants in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics back across the pedestrian bridge.