Special Olympics Idaho is thrilled to announce Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue as the new Director of the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics Idaho. The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics is the largest public awareness vehicle and grass-roots fundraiser for Special Olympics Idaho and Special Olympics across the globe. As LETR Director, Sheriff Donahue will work with law enforcement agencies statewide to encourage participation in LETR fundraising events such as Tip-A-Cop, Baggin’ for Bucks, and Polar Plunges in their communities. Sheriff Donahue will also champion the Guardians of the Flame initiative in May and June when law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes will carry the “Flame of Hope” across Idaho and into the Opening Ceremony at the State Summer Games in Caldwell on June 6-7, 2024.
“Sheriff Donahue’s appointment as the Director of the Law Enforcement Torch Run is an exciting step forward for our mission,” said Kristi Kraft, President and CEO of Special Olympics Idaho. “His leadership and commitment to community service are truly inspiring, and we know he will bring incredible energy and passion to this role. Together, with the support of law enforcement agencies across the state, we will continue to shine a light on the achievements of our athletes and advance the values of inclusion and acceptance in every corner of Idaho.”
“It’s an incredible honor to serve as the Law Enforcement Torch Run Director for Special Olympics Idaho,” said Sheriff Kieran Donahue. “This program provides a tremendous opportunity for law enforcement across Idaho to highlight the amazing athletes of Special Olympics Idaho and show our communities the true power of perseverance and acceptance. I couldn’t be prouder to work alongside such an extraordinary organization that has—and will continue to have—a lasting and meaningful impact on the lives of so many.”
The Guardians of the Flame Torch Run events will occur in three phases leading up to the State Summer Games. The first phase is scheduled for May 19-23 in northern Idaho. The second phase will be May 26-30 in southeast and southern Idaho. The final phase in southwest Idaho and the Treasure Valley will occur June 2-5, culminating at the Opening Ceremony of the State Summer Games at Simplot Stadium in Caldwell on June 6, 2024.
Additional LETR fundraising events will occur throughout the year in communities across Idaho. For information on upcoming events, please visit the Facebook page of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Idaho.
About LETR
The Law Enforcement Torch Run was founded in 1981 by Wichita, Kansas, Police Chief Richard LaMunyon. Since its inception, the LETR has raised over a billion dollars globally for Special Olympics, including over $50 million this year alone. More than 90,000 law enforcement officers worldwide have participated in LETR events over the last 43 years.