Torch Run Recognition Programs

The Richard LaMunyon Law Enforcement Torch Run Hall of Fame honors those who have made lasting, significant contributions to the Torch Run and Special Olympics movement on a local, national and international level. The award is named after the creator of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, it is the highest accolade in the Torch Run community.

Past Recipients

The John Carion Award was created to recognize outstanding individuals who have contributed to the success of the Law Enforcement Torch Run on a local, state or community level. The John Carion “Unsung Hero” is someone who contributes to the Torch Run and Special Olympics in spirit, dedication and enthusiasm in an effective and unheralded fashion.

The award was created to honor the memory of Sgt. John Carion, Sterling Heights (MI) Police Department and his many contributions to the Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics. The Unsung Hero award is a tribute to Sergeant John Carion, who epitomized the term “Unsung Hero” during his lifetime before his untimely death in a plane crash in January, 1994.

John was a low-key, quiet, but effective leader in the Torch Run effort, especially in the areas of law enforcement volunteerism for Special Olympics and furthering the ideals of Unified Sports in Special Olympics.

Past Recipients

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.

Past Recipients of the LETR International Executive Council Athlete Award

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

All members of the NC LETR Hall of Fame and recipients of the Bill Dalton Unsung Hero Award are commemorated on a plaque in the Special Olympics North Carolina office in Morrisville.

Past Inductees into the NC LETR Hall of Fame

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.

All members of the NC LETR Hall of Fame and recipients of the Bill Dalton Unsung Hero Award are commemorated on a plaque in the Special Olympics North Carolina office in Morrisville.

Past Recipients of the Bill Dalton Unsung Hero Award

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 LETR. The Chief of the Year encourages their department’s involvement in fundraising, local and state-level competitions, relay/Final Leg and the mission of public awareness for the NC LETR in their community.  All nominees will be selected by the NC LETR Council and the Special Olympics NC staff.

Past Recipients

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

Past Recipients

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 LETR. 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 LETR in his/her community.  All nominees will be selected by the NC LETR Council and the Special Olympics NC staff.

Past Recipients

The Adult Corrections Representative of the Year award is presented to the official who demonstrates a strong example, leadership, dedication and commitment to the NC LETR. The Adult Corrections Representative 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 LETR in his/her community.  All nominees will be selected by the NC LETR Council and the Special Olympics NC staff.

Past Recipients

The Guardian of the Flame award is open to any individual involved in the NC LETR. 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 NC LETR Council Director(s) and Special Olympics NC 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 LETR no later than November 1.

Past Recipients

The Director’s Award will honor a NC LETR Coordinator who stands out to the NC LETR 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 NC LETR Council Director(s).

Past Recipients

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 staff.

The INSPIRE Award is presented to a new or active small agency who has made a commitment to the NC LETR by participating and fundraising for numerous state-level events and is building new events and creative outreach in their communities. This agency’s outstanding support for the mission of hope is ultimately motivating and inspiring fellow and neighboring law enforcement to participate.

Past Recipients

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.

Past Recipients

The NC LETR Photo Contest is an opportunity for all NC 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 LETR 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 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 North Carolina.  All nominees will be selected by the Special Olympics NC staff after reviewing the accounting fundraising report.

Past Recipients