• Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
Special Olympics North Carolina

SONC

Special Olympics North Carolina

MAIN MENU
  • About Us
    • Our Story
    • News and Blog
    • Local Programs
    • Law Enforcement Torch Run
    • Advocate
    • Employment
    • Internships
    • Contact Us
  • Sports
    • Sports Offered
    • State-Level Competitions
    • Regional Competitions
    • USA Games
    • World Games
    • SO Good
    • Unified Sports
  • Get Involved
    • Become An Athlete
    • Become A Coach
    • Become A Volunteer
    • Community Ambassador Program
  • Beyond Sports
    • Health and Wellness
    • Unified Champion Schools
    • Law Enforcement Torch Run
    • Athlete Leadership
    • Young Athletes
  • Support
    • Fundraising Events
    • Ways to Give
DONATE NOW
Home | Torch Run | Torch Run Events

Torch Run Events

TORCH RUN MENU
  • Overview
  • Resources & Forms
  • History
  • Agency Rankings
  • Relays & Final Leg
  • Events
  • Recognition Programs
  • Council & Region
  • Sponsors
  • Calendar
  • Raise The Torch

Get Involved

To get involved with the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics North Carolina (NC LETR), call Leslie Moyar at 919-210-0966 or email the NC LETR.

As an officer, organize a fundraiser, participate in a relay and encourage a local business to make a contribution or sponsor your NC LETR event. The NC LETR is one of the best marketing opportunities available. It provides the opportunity to help a worldwide movement, while enhancing the public image of major donors. Via the NC LETR, sponsors can partner with one of the most highly respected groups in the world – law enforcement!

Events

Departments and agencies participating in the NC LETR have numerous fundraising events throughout the year. These events range from golf tournaments, to motorcycle rides, to road races and vary with the community interest.  A current list of events can also be found in the NC LETR Calendar.

In addition to these uniquely local events, there are signature NC LETR events that generally work well in a majority of communities throughout the state. Contact Leslie Moyar for more information on NC LETR events.

Polar Plunges

A Polar Plunge is a fun and unique event that involves a group of people jumping into a body of water in the middle of winter. The plungers raise money for the privilege of jumping into the water. A number of these events are held throughout the state on an annual basis. A parking lot plunge is the same as the traditional Polar Plunge, but it takes place in a swimming pool set up in a parking lot or other similar location. Learn more.

Plane Pull for Special Olympics NC

When: TBD 2027

The Plane Pull® is a unique team building activity for groups.  It requires participants to come together as a team to achieve a very daunting task — pull an airplane 25 feet! Teams will compete to see who can pull a 50,000-pound plane the fastest! Each five-person team must raise a minimum of $1,000 total by the event date. Visit ncplanepull.com for more information on this event.

WOD for Inclusion

Work up a sweat for Special Olympics North Carolina by hosting a “WOD for INCLUSION” fundraising event! The workout “1968” was created to honor Special Olympics athletes worldwide. This event can be for anyone and everyone who’s up for a challenging workout for a great cause. Learn more!

Torch Run Relays

When: May 2027

Each year, law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the Flame of Hope into the Opening Ceremony of local competitions, and into Special Olympics state, national, regional and World Games. Annually, more than 110,000 dedicated and compassionate law enforcement members carry the “Flame of Hope,” symbolizing courage and the celebration of diversity, uniting communities around the globe. Here in North Carolina, nearly 2,000 law enforcement personnel support the NC LETR annually! Learn more.

Over The Edge

When: September 26, 2026

Participants raise a minimum of $1,000 for the opportunity to rappel down a tall building in Downtown Raleigh.  Get a view of these cities that few ever will and raise your support of Special Olympics athletes to new heights! Registration, photos and more information at overtheedgenc.com.

Truck Convoy for Special Olympics

When: August 15, 2026

Truck Convoy for Special Olympics features local law enforcement officers escorting a convoy of trucks through the area to raise awareness and funds. The truckers pay an entry fee to participate and also raise additional funds for the privilege of being the lead truck or the last truck.

 

Tip-a-Cop

A Tip-a-Cop event is a great way for law enforcement officers to get into the community and be able to interact with the public in a one-on-one setting.  Law enforcement officers partner with the traditional waitstaff to serve as “celebrity” wait staff and help with duties such as refilling drinks and bringing out bread while talking to the customers about Special Olympics and the NC LETR.  At the end of the meal, law enforcement officers ask for a donations for Special Olympics in addition to any tip that would normally be left for the wait staff.

Golf Tournaments

There are several successful golf tournaments held to benefit the NC LETR annually. Please contact SONC staff who can direct you to agencies with successful golf tournaments. The key to a profitable golf tournament is having green fees and food/beverage sponsors. Make sure your expenses are at no more than 25% of your event revenue.

Unified Sports Experiences

Unified sports experiences bring SONC athletes and law enforcement partners together as teammates and friendly competitors, promoting inclusion, respect and teamwork through the power of sport. To get started, get connected with your SONC local program by contacting Anthony Cangelosi and complete the Online Interest Form. SONC will connect with you directly to discuss next steps!

 

T-shirt Donations

T-shirt donations generate significant funds. Each year, a unique T-shirt design is sold statewide by law enforcement officers. The minimum donation for a T-shirt is $25. Many departments will set up a table in a high traffic location such as a community event/festival or in a popular shopping center to solicit donations for the high quality shirts or hats. Learn more.

Cops-On-Top Building Sits

Officers sit on top of a building in a high traffic location such as a Walmart or a fast food restaurant — like Chick-fil-A — and draw people to the area while other volunteers solicit funds from patrons.  A document that provides best practices and detailed timelines for the event are available for download as a PDF.

Footer

RESOURCES | BLOG | OUR SPONSORS | GIVE | CONTACT US | PRIVACY POLICY | ESPAÑOL | SITEMAP | SPECIAL OLYMPICS INTERNATIONAL

     | VIEW OUR PHOTO GALLERY

© 2026 Special Olympics North Carolina
Authorized and Accredited by Special Olympics, Inc. for the Benefit of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities.
Website Design and Development by Digital Mettle.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Special Olympics North Carolina
2200 Gateway Centre Blvd., Ste. 201
Morrisville, NC 27560
Tax ID: 56-1149607
919-719-7662
919-719-7663 (fax)

MAIN MENU
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Our Story
    • News and Blog
    • Local Programs
    • Law Enforcement Torch Run
    • Advocate
    • Employment
    • Internships
    • Contact Us
  • Sports
    • Sports Offered
    • State-Level Competitions
    • Regional Competitions
    • USA Games
    • World Games
    • SO Good
    • Unified Sports
  • Get Involved
    • Become An Athlete
    • Become A Coach
    • Become A Volunteer
    • Community Ambassador Program
  • Beyond Sports
    • Health and Wellness
    • Unified Champion Schools
    • Law Enforcement Torch Run
    • Athlete Leadership
    • Young Athletes
  • Support
    • Fundraising Events
    • Ways to Give