Law Enforcement Torch Run
The Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) for Special Olympics is the largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle in the world. The annual Torch Run and its various fundraising projects have two goals: to raise money and to create awareness for the athletes who participate in Special Olympics.
LETR in South Dakota
The Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics South Dakota started in 1988 with two runs. One was from Mount Rushmore to Rapid City and the other was from Sioux Falls to Vermillion. Almost $1,000 was raised. The event was repeated in 1990 with the same amount of funds raised. In 1991, law enforcement in South Dakota ran the first run across the state raising $5,652. The involvement of law enforcement agencies increased over the next few years with incredible results.
The LETR initiative encompasses a variety of fundraising vehicles including Polar Plunge®, Cop on a Rooftop, Tip-a-Cop®, Truck Convoy®, Heroes Pull, and much more.
Each year, the LETR initiative continues to grow. In 2023, LETR worked with 200+ members of law enforcement to raise more than $519,000 for South Dakota athletes.
Get Involved!
Participate in Medal Ceremony – Special Olympics South Dakota provides year-round Olympic-type sports for more than 2,750 athletes across the state. At each event, local law enforcement has the opportunity to hand medals and ribbons to the athletes. This is a great time to get to know and celebrate these accomplished athletes.
Participate in the Torch Run—Each year, law enforcement carries the Special Olympics Flame of Hope along planned routes, covering all four corners of the state. Two Special Olympics South Dakota athletes and law enforcement from various agencies bring the Flame throughout communities and light the Cauldron to signal the start of the State Summer Games.
Fundraise – Countless opportunities are available for law enforcement to organize or participate in fundraisers to help raise money for an existing event. Cop on a Donut Shop, Tip-A-Cop®, and selling Law Enforcement Torch Run® apparel are a few great ways to get your department involved. We also have committees that put on various fundraising events year-round that you can participate in:
Upcoming Events:
Polar Plunge – Rapid City
February 23, 2025 @ 11:00 am - 3:00 pmRapid City, 57701 United States + Google Map
Polar Plunge – Spearfish
March 15, 2025Spearfish, 57783 United States + Google Map
Michelle Paulsen
Email: mpaulsen@sosd.org
1991…………. $5,652
1992…………. $8,616
1993…………. $26,000
1994…………. $41,759
1995…………. $45,690
1996…………. $50,000
1997…………. $52,000
1998…………. $57,500
1999…………. $65,333
2000…………. $89,972
2001…………. $93,761
2002…………. $106,250
2003…………. $113,071
2004…………. $124,535
2005…………. $137,900
2006…………. $154,600
2007…………. $170,295
2008…………. $208,138
2009…………. $276,345
2010…………. $403,200
2011…………. $473,000
2012…………. $561,091
2013…………. $584,325
2014…………. $653,578
2015…………. $541,272
2016…………. $574,042
2017…………. $563,608
2018…………. $602,880
2019…………..$599,518
2020…………..$346,699
2021…………..$421.907
2022…………..$621,478
2023…………..$519,983
