Torch Run Recognition Programs

The Bill Dalton Unsung Hero Award was created to recognize an outstanding individual who contributes to the Torch Run and Special Olympics in spirit, dedication and enthusiasm in an effective but unheralded fashion.

The Most Improved Agency Award honors the Agency that has increased their Net Revenue the most since the previous year. This award is in recognition and appreciation of the agency’s dedication to grow their fundraising efforts. All nominees will be selected by the Special Olympics NC LETR staff after reviewing the accounting fundraising report.

The NC Torch Run Photo Contest is an opportunity for all LETR agencies to submit their Torch Run photos to show the immeasurable benefits that their agency offers to the athletes, officers and the community they serve. All photos must be from the previous fundraising year.  Each agency may submit a maximum total of 12 photos.  Please send photos after your events throughout the year to Leslie Moyar at lmoyar@sonc.net  and include the following information:

• Submitting person’s name
• Agency
• Phone Number
• Email Address
• Photographer’s Name
• Date of Photo
• Description of the photo

The winning photo will be selected by the NC Law Enforcement Torch Run Council.  Photos sent in prior to June 29 may also be submitted by the Special Olympics NC staff to the LETR International Conference I.A.C.P. photo contest.

The NC Law Enforcement Torch Run Hall of Fame was created to recognize outstanding individuals who have significantly contributed the Torch Run’s statewide success for Special Olympics.

The Guardian of the Flame award is open to any individual involved in the NC Torch Run. This award is based on the nominee’s ingenuity, motivation, commitment and dedication to the Torch Run.  The Torch Run Council will nominate all individuals for each category and selections will be made by the Torch Run Council Director(s) and the Special Olympics NC LETR staff.  To nominate an individual, Council Members must fill out the Guardian of the Flame Nomination Form.  To nominate an individual, please complete the nomination form and submit it to the NC Torch Run no later than November 1.

The Top New Agency Award honors the agency that has raised the most funds their first year. In order to be eligible, an agency must be in it’s first active year with the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics NC.  All nominees will be selected by the Special Olympics NC LETR staff by reviewing the accounting fundraising report.

The Fundraising Excellence Award will honor the agency that has developed a successful new fundraising idea or a new approach to an existing idea to revitalize it. All nominees will be selected by the Special Olympics NC LETR staff.

The Chief of the Year award is presented to the Chief of Police who demonstrates a strong example, leadership, dedication and commitment to the NC Law Enforcement Torch Run. The Chief of the Year encourages his/her department’s involvement in fundraising, local/state games, relay/Final Leg, and the mission of public awareness for the NC Torch Run in his/her community.  All nominees will be selected by the Torch Run Council and the Special Olympics NC LETR staff.

The Sheriff of the Year award is presented to the Sheriff who demonstrates a strong example, leadership, dedication and commitment to the NC Law Enforcement Torch Run. The Sheriff of the Year encourages his/her department’s involvement in fundraising, local/state games, relay/Final Leg, and the mission of public awareness for the NC Torch Run in his/her county.  All nominees will be selected by the Torch Run Council and the Special Olympics NC LETR staff.

The Directors’ Award will honor a Law Enforcement Torch Run Coordinator who stands out to the Torch Run Council Director(s). The Director(s) will choose this individual based on their leadership, dedication and outstanding commitment to achieving the goals of their agency in raising funds to support Special Olympics.  All nominees will be selected by the Torch Run Council Director(s).

The NC DPS Official of the Year award is presented to the official who demonstrates a strong example, leadership, dedication and commitment to the NC Law Enforcement Torch Run. The NC DPS Official of the Year encourages his/her department’s involvement in fundraising, local/state games, relay/Final Leg, and the mission of public awareness for the NC Torch Run in his/her community.  All nominees will be selected by the Torch Run Council and the Special Olympics NC LETR staff.

The LETR International Executive Council Athlete Award was created to recognize outstanding Special Olympics Athletes who have contributed to the success of the Law Enforcement Torch Run® on a local, state or national level. The Athlete Award nominee should be someone who contributes to Torch Run and Special Olympics in spirit, dedication and enthusiasm in an effective fashion.

All Special Olympics and LETR Programs are invited to consider submitting a nomination for this award. Nominations, which must be submitted online using the LETR website. The deadline for nomination will be determined by LETR International Executive Council.