The 26th Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) treks across Michigan Monday, Sept. 10 through Friday, Sept. 14 as corrections and law enforcement staff team up to raise funds for Special Olympics Michigan.

The 700-mile run begins noon Monday in Copper Harbor and runs down state to the Sterling Heights Fraternal Order of Police Lodge. The run is scheduled to end there at 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 14.

Three teams will complete the 24-hour-a-day, five-day relay. The teams made up of people from the Michigan Department of Corrections, Michigan State Police and Fraternal Order of Police.

"We are very excited to have such a dedicated group of individuals support Special Olympic athletes," said Lois Arnold, chief executive officer of Special Olympics Michigan.

"This event is an example of how one person can make a difference. Every dollar raised changes lives."

The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is the largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics in the world. It began in 1981 when Wichita, Kansas, Police Chief Richard LaMunyon saw an urgent need to raise funds for and increase awareness of Special Olympics.

In the past 26 years, the Law Enforcement Torch Run has raised more than $185 million for Special Olympic athletes across the world, with a record $26 million raised in 2006 alone. More than 85,000 law enforcement officers in all 50 U.S. states, all Canadian provinces and 35 countries carry the Special Olympics "Flame of Hope" through the streets for their local, state or national Special Olympics Games.

Special Olympics Michigan is a non-profit organization supported entirely by private funding. All activities are available at no cost to Michigan athletes and their families.

Through the generosity of individuals like those participating in the Law Enforcement Torch Run, and statewide businesses, the program is able to continue.

Michigan Department of Corrections, FYI Newsletter 090607