ABOUT LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN
Where it All Began
The Law Enforcement Torch Run, initiated in 1981 by Police Chief Richard LaMunyon from Wichita, Kansas, has grown into a worldwide movement. What began as a humble initiative has transformed into a global beacon of hope and unity, driven by the collective efforts of law enforcement volunteers.
These dedicated individuals join hands with Special Olympics athletes to champion the cause of acceptance and inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
Torch Run in Australia
The LETR movement started in Australia in 2002 when NSW Police Commissioner Ken Moroney was asked to support Special Olympics Australia by escorting the ‘Flame of Hope’ into the Opening Ceremony of the 2002 Special Olympics National Games in Sydney.
Following on from that initial contact with Special Olympics, a group of serving NSW police officers formed Law Enforcement Torch Run (NSW). Over the next couple of years, they worked with colleagues in the other states to encourage them to form their own programs.
There are currently LETR Programs in all five mainland Australian states (New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia).
In the past twenty years, LETR programs across the country have raised more than $5 million to support the athletes of Special Olympics.
“Defenders, Protectors, and Keepers dedicated to safeguarding and preserving the Special Olympics Flame of Hope — a symbol of courage, acceptance, and diversity for individuals with intellectual disabilities. This honor is entrusted to the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.”
LETR NSW COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Executive Committee
Scott Whyte
President
Ben Macfarlane
Vice President
Alan Keane
Treasurer
Naomi Earle
Secretary
Tina Davies
Torch Run Coordinator
General Committee
Claire Hawthorn
Events Coordinator
Joel Fennah
Chair, Communications Sub-Committee
Hayley Schubert
SO Liaison
Darryal Abeyasekera
SO Liaison
Larry Fitzgerald
NSW Corrective Services Liaison
Storm Masters
NSW Corrective Services Liaison
Peter Northey
NSWPF Academy Liaison
Diana Simoes
AFP / ACT Policing Liaison
Deb Harrison
General Committee (Hunter)
Mark Gallucci
General Committee (Hunter)
Libby Simos
General Committee (Hunter)
Gary Ballard
General Committee
Josh King
General Committee
Jason Nilan
General Committee
Steve O’Grady
General Committee
Natalie Overall
General Committee
LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN NSW
The Trustee for Law Enforcement Torch Run (NSW) Charitable Trust
Australian Business Number
13 859 162 288
Australian Taxation Office Endorsements
Deductible Gift Recipient
Income Tax Exemption
GST Concessions
NSW Fair Trading
Incorporation as an Association
Law Enforcement Torch Run (NSW) Incorporated
INC9886552
NSW Office of Liquor, Gaming and Racing
Approval to conduct Charitable Fundraising
PO Box 1061, Sutherland NSW 1499
Contact Us
Law Enforcement Torch Run New South Wales
Attn: Alan Keane
LETR NSW
PO Box 1061
Sutherland, NSW 1499
