The Flame of Hope
Year round, more than 300 LETR volunteers, including law enforcement officers from local, county, state and federal agencies across North Dakota promote the concept of partnership and prosperity as guardians for the Flame of Hope. This Flame of Hope ignites the hope and brightens the lives of the more than 1,600 children and adults with intellectual disabilities that participate in Special Olympics North Dakota (SOND). The torch carried across the North Dakota in May by law enforcement runners is a demonstration of their guardianship, and raises awareness of Special Olympics and the achievements of our champions. Members of law enforcement involved in the Torch Run are also called Guardians of the Flame.
The Torch Run consists of a series of local runs that take place across the state during the week preceding the SOND State Summer Games. Six runs will be held before the event culminates with the arrival of the torch at the State Summer Games Opening Ceremony.
Supporting the LETR shows the community that you support our law enforcement heroes and care about our friends and neighbors who participate in Special Olympics.
2020 Torch Run Information -
POSTPONED due to COVID-19
The 2020 Law Enforcement Torch Run has been postponed as a precautionary measure against the spread of COVID-19. Keep posted for updates and announcements regarding a new date for this event. To register for your local Torch Run, simply fill out the following form or reach out to one of the contacts below. Note: To participate in a local Torch Run, participants must sign a waiver and wear this year’s shirt.
Torch Run Contacts
- Bismarck
- Kevin Arthaud, Bismarck Transition Center
- Fargo (Final Leg)
- Danica Rozich, Fargo Police Department
- Grand Forks
- Chris Smith, Grand Forks County Sheriff’s Office
- Jamestown to Valley City
- Brandi Netolicky, James River Correctional Center
- Minot
- Jacob Olson, Minot Police Department
- Pembina
- Thomas Horsley, United States CBP
