by Kayte Barton
The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) has become the largest grassroots fundraiser and awareness event for Special Olympics. The Law Enforcement Torch Run was started in 1981, as a “flicker of hope for Special Olympics” by Chief Richard LaMunyon in Kansas.
This movement engages law enforcement from agencies across the globe to champion acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities within their local communities. Law enforcement officers are often referred to as “Guardians of the Flame,” carrying the Flame of Hope across communities to symbolize courage and unity. Since its inception in 1981, the Law Enforcement Torch Run has raised more than $1 billion for Special Olympics programs worldwide through initiatives such as the Polar Plunge, Tip-A-Cop and Cop On Top.
Over the past several decades, Minnesota’s Law Enforcement Torch Run has raised more than $58 million for Special Olympics Minnesota athletes.
I had the privilege of interviewing Jim Nystrom. Jim recently retired from a 32-year career as Lieutenant at the University of Minnesota Police Department. He also served as Special Olympics Minnesota’s LETR State Director and says that this role was the most important in his career. Over the years, he has met and became friends with many athletes, mentors, volunteers and the awesome staff at Special Olympics Minnesota state office.
I asked Jim why LETR is so important to Special Olympics and how the community benefits from the unique partnership. Nystrom said, “The Law Enforcement Torch Run is a grassroots fundraising initiative, raising over $1 billion since it began. It showcases the importance of inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities. It allows communities to see how important people with intellectual disabilities are to a community.”
Jim initially wanted to be a teacher. He was interested in educating people with intellectual disabilities, but he eventually changed his field of study to law enforcement. He volunteered as an EMT at the 1991 Special Olympics World Games here in Minnesota, where he was assigned to the Russian delegation. This volunteer experience rekindled his interest in working with people with intellectual disabilities. In 2005, he became fully immersed in the world of LETR and Special Olympics.
Jim first became involved with the Torch Run in 2005, when Minnesota hosted the International Law Enforcement Torch Run Conference. He served on several committees and was a co-presenter to talk to departments about logistics of how to run a successful Jail and Bail fundraiser. Jail and Bail was a LETR fundraiser that involved University of Minnesota college students, and it was a lot of fun! Jim has been hooked ever since.
Jim and I would like to encourage you to sign up for the Polar Plunge! To chicken to jump? We have you covered! You can throw a rubber chicken in the water instead of jumping! We surely have a location for you: There are more than 25 locations all over the state!.
Not only am I a SOMN athlete, but I’m also a Plunger. The Plunge is a vital fundraiser for us athletes, as it raises the needed funds to support our health and athlete leadership programs, and—most importantly—it allows us to compete in sports! The funds raised at the Plunge allows Special Olympics Minnesota change the lives of thousands of athletes across Minnesota. I am just one of the many athletes who’s life has been forever changed and impacted by Special Olympics. Special Olympics gave me the skills needed to become a leader, and to learn how to be a successful member of my community!
The Polar Plunge is Special Olympics Minnesota’s biggest fundraising event, and it is presented by the Law Enforcement Torch Run. I asked Jim about his Plunging experience. He Plunged for 12 years, and now he volunteers to make sure it’s a wonderful experience for Plungers and spectators alike! He said Plunging in Minnesota is shocking, but it’s a “good shock” knowing that 100% of funds raised support SOMN! “The Plunges are set up so well that you barely remember the cold!” says Jim.
Last year, we set a fundraising and participation record during our 2024 Polar Plunge season. This year, we have a goal to do that again! We’re hoping to recruit 21,500 Plungers and raise $6 million for SOMN! Are you up for the challenge? Start a team with your friends and family, come up with some fun costumes and visit plungemn.org to learn more!