Law Enforcement 

All around the world, Special Olympics has a formidable and caring legion of protectors and supporters: the law enforcement community.  

The signature event of the law enforcement community's year-round support of Special Olympics is the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run.
 
Every year, for nearly 25 years, the "flame of hope" has traversed Florida in an intrastate relay of simultaneous routes throughout the state, covering countless thousands of miles.  The torch is carried by local and state law enforcement officers all the way to the Opening Ceremonies of Florida's annual State Summer Games.
 
The Torch Run began its existence as the S.O.M.E. (Special Olympics Mileage Event) Run, when a handful of officers ran the “Flame of Hope” throughout the state in an exhausting, non-stop run.  Soon, the S.O.M.E. Run gained momentum and law enforcement agencies throughout Florida became involved and the S.O.M.E. Run would go on to become the “Florida Law Enforcement Torch Run.”
 
The Florida Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest annual public relations and fund raising event amongst Special Olympics Florida and law enforcement agencies.  Statewide, the participating chiefs, officers, sheriffs, deputies, agents and cadets from virtually every branch of federal, state, county and municipal law enforcement, represent a total of over 300 different agencies. Gene Stokes of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (retired), serves as the volunteer State Director of the Torch Run for Florida.
 
Funds are generated through the sale of the popular Torch Run T-shirts, hats, “bands of support,” and through various local fundraising events. You can support Special Olympics Florida and your local law enforcement agency by taking part in one of the many fun events they hold throughout the year or by buying this year's Law Enforcement Torch Run commemorative t-shirt or hat.
 
If you are a member of the law enforcement community and would like information on how to get involved, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , Law Enforcement Torch Run Manager, at 352-243-9536 x522.