New York Law Enforcement Torch Run
Bigger, Better, STRONGER !
Two thousand and eight has been a busy year for the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) initiative in New York State. With a goal to double awareness and raise a $1million the program is constantly expanding and recruiting. The LETR committee from Buffalo to Long Island and Plattsburgh down to Binghamton have been busy mapping out Torch Runs and organizing routes to successfully escort the Torch to the State Summer Games. While taking this tour the Torch has passed through thousands of Law Enforcement hands representing agencies on all levels.
As the “Guardians of the Flame” these Law Enforcement officers have made their hometowns come to life with enthusiasm and excitement, with lights and sirens, with pomp and circumstance as the Torch passed through.
With each mile the Torch goes forth it brings more awareness for our athletes.
The fundraising that is orchestrated through our Torch Run initiatives have more than doubled in the past two years. New this year our Torch Runners were encouraged to register and fundraise online. More than $20,000 was raised on top of the revenue that was generated through the T-shirt Sales making this our most successful Torch Run season.
Congratulations to Terry Ellis from Scarsdale Police Department who was not only one of our top online fundraisers, raising $1120, he also completed the entire 30-mile Westchester County Torch Run. Terry sent out a challenge to his friends and family stating that if he was able to raise $1,000 he would not only do his own Leg of the Torch Run, he would complete the whole Westchester Leg. Good thing Terry is in shape. On warm sunny day in early May Terry completed his challenge.
2008 Torch Runs
May 3 York Games
More than 75 Torch Runners from Attica Correctional Facility escorted the Torch to kick off the Torch Run season.
May 6 Westchester County
Hundreds of runners enjoyed a beautiful day in Westchester.
May 9 Ogdensburg
Multiple agencies along with Ogdensburg and Riverview Correctional Facilities once again put on a great community Run.
May 10 West Point
May 27 Dutchess County
May 31 Metro NYC
For the first time in over a decade the Torch will be carried through New York City by Law Enforcement representing agencies throughout the City. Thanks to Tom Biggers and the NYPD Running Club for setting up the logistics and making this possible. The Torch began in Brooklyn and made its way over the bridge, through the City and into Riverbanks State Park for the Opening of the 20th Anniversary Metro Tournament.
June 4-6 Western New York
Western New York expanded their Torch Run route this year to gain more awareness for a growing program. With participation from more than 20 agencies, the Torch began its three-day journey at the Horse Shoe Falls in Niagara Falls, NY and headed south through Amherst, Tonawanda, and Buffalo to end the voyage with another brand new Leg in Hamburg, NY.
June 4 Batavia
From Elba to Batavia.
June 5 Capital Region
The Torch made its way from Schenectady to Albany City Hall with the help of the 196th Class of the New York State Police who exceeded their original fundraising goal of $5,000 in less than a week.
June 5-6 Clinton/Essex County
This two county run combines state, federal and local agencies in grand fashion.
June 6 Rochester
This Run begins in Gates and into the City of Rochester for an afternoon of music and fun.
June 9 Central New York
The Torch made its way through Central New York in one of our fastest growing Legs in the State. Beginning just as the sun peaked its way into the sky the Torch made its way from Canandaigua all the way to the city of Syracuse. Multiple agencies from Corrections, Sheriffs to the State Police came together to pass the Torch along the 60+ mile route.
June 10 Long Island
More than 400 runners from both Nassau and Suffolk Counties escorted the Torch from the East and the West to meet in the middle at SUNY Farmingdale for a great lunch and ceremony!
June 10-11 Adirondack
The Torch makes its way through the Adirondacks all the way to Waterford with stops in Glens Falls and Mechanicville.
June 11 The FINAL LEG
The Torch began in Cortland and traveled all the way to the City of Binghamton with Bikes and Cars leading the way for the last miles of the jouney into Opening Ceremonies!
What is the Law
Enforcement Torch Run?
The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) to benefit Special Olympics is the movement’s largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle. More than 85,000 law enforcement officers carried the Flame of Hope across 35 nations, raising more than $30 million for Special Olympics. In New York State thousands of officers from hundreds of agencies have carried the Torch through their communities.
How Can I Get Involved?
We are actively recruited Law Enforcement from every agency across the state to be a part of our LETR program. Is there a Torch Run in your community? If not, we can help you start one. Not a runner…join a fundraising initiative like a Polar Plunge. Contact Renee Snyder at rsnyder@nyso.org or 518-388-0790 ext. 103.
Polar Plunge Season
Polar Plunges have become our premier Law Enforcement Torch Run fundraising event. In our 2007-2008 Plunge Series more than $600,000 was raised in seven Plunges, including four brand new events. Our 2008-2009 Plunge season will launch on Saturday, November 15 in Verona, NY. We are currently looking for Law Enforcement and civilian committee members for all of our Polar Plunges. Strong active committees are the key to our success with these events so if you are interested in helping out with logistics, recruiting teams and having a great time please contact Renee Snyder at rsnyder@nyso.org.
Saturday, November 15
Verona Beach State Park
Verona, NY
Saturday, November 22
Beaver Island State Park
Grand Island, NY
Saturday, December 6
Rye Playland
Rye, NY
Sunday, December 7
Great Kills Beach
Staten Island, NY
Saturday, December 13
Shepard Park
Lake George, NY
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Charlotte Beach
Rochester, NY
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Bar Beach
Pt. Washington, NY
March, 2009
Sharpe Reservation
Fishkill, NY
Please note dates and times are tentative and are subject to change
