Law Enforcement Torch Run Presented by:

The Law Enforcement Torch Run® is the single largest grassroots fundraising effort for Special Olympics International. Michigan's Torch Run program had a record breaking year in 2010, raising over $614,000 for the 20,679 athletes who participate in Special Olympics Michigan. The two main goals of the Law Enforcement Torch Run® are raise funds and to create awareness for the athletes who participate in Special Olympics Michigan.

As Michigan's Special Olympics program continues to grow, more funding is needed to support the athletes and their families because there is no cost to participate. This is where the support of the law enforcement community becomes crucial. By getting more involved in Michigan's Torch Run program you can help raise funds and create awareness for our athletes.

There are many ways for you and your department to get involved. Officers from across the state host different agency fundraising events, assist in medal presentations at State Summer and Winter Games, sell merchandise and raffle tickets, participate in a Polar Plunge or a local Community Run.

"We appreciate our Law Enforcement Torch Run support immensely," said Lois Arnold, President and CEO of Special Olympics Michigan. "The money raised has an amazing and positive impact on the lives of our athletes and their families."

Law Enforcement Torch Run® 2011 Raffle Winners Drawn!

The Law Enforcement Torch Run presented by Sam's Club would like to congratulate the winners of two recent raffle drawings!

The trip drawing took place Oct. 12 at the Special Olympics Michigan state office in Mt. Pleasant. Athlete Carla McNerney pulled the winning ticket. The winner is Yvonne Brantly from Bay City, Mich. She can choose from one of four trips or take the $2500 cash option.

The hunt raffle drawing took place on Sept. 16 at the Sterling Heights Fraternal Order of Police Hall. The winners are:

• 1st Place Winner - Doug Kavanagh from Greenville, Mich. (Whitetail Hunt Package donated courtesy of Hopkins Trophy Outfitters)
• 2nd Place Winner - Amy Bergman from Lockport, NY (Darton "Scorpion" Crossbow)
• 3rd Place Winner - Susan Cronenworth from Mohawk, Mich. (Thompson Center Arms "Impact" Muzzleloader)

Special thanks to Det. Sgt. Andy Longuski for securing the donations for the hunt raffle.

Tickets for the 2012 trip and hunt raffles go on sale Jan. 1. Contact Development Coordinator Heather Fox at fox1hm@cmich.edu or (989) 774-1178.

"LETR Spotlight"

Special Olympics Michigan Athlete
Chosen to Run the Mackinac Bridge Leg during Central Route

Nothing can slow down Special Olympics Michigan Athlete Zachary "Zach" Brubaker from Lake Orion in Area 15 (Oakland County). Zach was chosen to run the 5-mile Mackinac Bridge leg during Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) Central Route on September 14, 2011.

Zach ran alongside his father, a runner from the Michigan Department of Corrections, and a representative from Sam's Club.

Zach has been involved with Special Olympics Michigan for 10 years and was previously a Special Olympics Virginia athlete for six years. He participates in track & field, basketball, soccer, bowling and snowshoeing. Zach has also run the first leg of the Torch Run in Virginia Beach, the second leg of the Torch Run in Michigan and gave a brief speech about the Michigan Torch Run with his father at a Sterling Heights City Council meeting.

"Zach lives the Special Olympics Oath on and off the field," said Ed, Zach's father. "He loves to win but he also really enjoys the camaraderie of the other athletes. Zach competes with a great deal of enthusiasm and always has a contagious smile on his face."

Central Route is a 750-mile non-stop relay run that takes place each September. It starts in Copper Harbor in the tip of the Upper Peninsula and ends in Sterling Heights. Central Route is composed of three teams, two trail vehicles and one advance team car. Each team is comprised of about six runners who run five miles at a time, averaging eight minute miles.

Forms & Fact Sheets

• 2011 LETR Calendar of Events
• 2011 Donor Form
• 2011 Runner Registration Form - Due August 30th
• LETR Event Notification Form
• Torch Run Fact Sheet
• Central Route Schedule
• Community Run Schedule