LaSalle Parish law enforcement officers joined more than 100,000 other officers across the nation who recently participated in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, or LETR.
Organized locally by LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Deputy and DARE Officer Jenny Parker and LaSalle Parish Special Education Supervisor Jenene Bignar, the event was held Wednesday, May 15, and featured officers and LaSalle Parish Special Olympians parading through Good Pine Middle School, Fellowship Elementary School, Nebo Elementary School, Jena High School, Jena Jr. High School, Jena Elementary School and Olla-Standard Elementary School.
LETR is the largest public awareness vehicle and grass-roots fundraiser for Special Olympics. Known as Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the Flame of Hope symbolizing courage and celebration of diversity uniting communities around the globe.
In LaSalle Parish, the Special Olympics were held in April with the Flame of Hope carried in to begin the parade of athletes. LETR will culminate in the United States at the USA National Special Olympics set for this summer.
The LETR for Special Olympics engages law enforcement worldwide championing acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities, starting first with their own communities. Since its inception, LETR has raised over 900 million dollars and changed millions of attitudes.
As LETR Founder and retired Chief Richard LaMunyon once said, “What started in 1981… as a flicker of hope for Special Olympics has now become a roaring flame of stability for Special Olympic athletes worldwide.”
In June 1981, six police officers from Wichita, Kansas carried a torch into a high school and started a movement that continues to grow each year, providing for the athletes of Special Olympics.
Last Wednesday, hype music was played over schools’ intercom systems as the parade of officers and athletes marched through the hallways of the schools in celebration of their feats.
LaSalle Parish Sheriff Scott Franklin carried the torch through the schools and was grateful to once again participate in such a worthy event.
“This was for every one of our Special Olympic athletes in LaSalle Parish,” he said. “What an honor to recognize them and bring attention to them. They are our parish’s honored students and deserving of the recognition.”
It was also extra special for the sheriff this year as it was his final year to lead the parade of law officers and special Olympians. “With my retirement coming up in June, this was my last Torch Run to participate in as Sheriff, so this really meant a lot,” Franklin said. “During my years as Sheriff, nothing has been more gratifying than work- ing with Special Olympics.”
The group of officers also participated in a run, that had them carry the Flame of Hope from Jena High School to Jena Junior High School, complete with a police escort by LaSalle Parish Sheriff’s Office and Jena Police Department vehicles and a Louisiana State Police unit.
The day’s event concluded at Olla- Standard Elementary where another parade of officers and athletes occurred.
More information about LETR can be found at www.letr.org or by contacting Deputy Parker at (318) 9922151.
To donate to the LaSalle Parish Special Olympics held each spring, contact Special Education Supervisor Jenene Bignar at (318) 992-5971. Sponsorships are always needed and appreciated.
