On November 3-5, 2022, the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special
Olympics International Conference was held in Round Rock, Texas. Each year during the
conference, members of law enforcement are nominated to be inducted into the LETR
International Richard LaMunyon Hall of Fame.
This year, the original runners for LETR were inducted into the Hall of Fame for igniting the
spark of hope for Special Olympics Kansas and for their involvement in the continued LETR
movement. The five original runners from the Wichita Police Department that were inducted
include Walt Kuykendall, Robert “Bob” Bachman, Jan McCloud, Jack Leon, and Donald
“Barney” Ipsen (posthumously).
The first Law Enforcement Torch Run was held in Wichita, Kansas in June of 1981 and it raised
about $300 for Special Olympics Kansas. The movement began to spread fast and is now the
largest grassroots fundraiser for Special Olympics Worldwide. Torch Runs are now in all 50
states, all of Canada, and 40 other countries around the world. The movement has raised in total
$946,117,644 for athletes with intellectual disabilities around the world.
“Year after year we have the support of men and women of law enforcement who elevate Special
Olympics Kansas within their communities,” Special Olympics President/CEO John Lair said.
“Every year officers from local agencies, sheriff offices, campus police and the Highway Patrol
give so much to this event and expect nothing in return.”
