Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics

Asti ignites the passion for inclusion! The Flame of Hope made its way to Asti, lighting up the city with its spirit of unity and determination! On stage, Athlete Dustin Edmondson (Northern Carolina) and LETR volunteer Bobby Bruemmer (Oklahoma) shared their journey, proving how sports can change lives and break down barriers. ?? Next stop: Alessandria! ???? #Turin2025 #TheFutureIsHere #LETRforSO Asti accende la passione per l’inclusione! La Fiamma della Speranza ha fatto tappa ad Asti, illuminando la città con il suo spirito di unione e determinazione! Dal palco, l’Atleta Dustin Edmondson (Carolina del Nord) e il volontario LETR Bobby Bruemmer (Oklahoma) hanno condiviso la loro esperienza, dimostrando come lo sport possa trasformare vite e abbattere ogni barriera. ?? Prossima tappa: Alessandria! ???? #Turin2025 #TheFutureIsHere #LETRforSO

?? Cuneo welcomes the Flame of Hope! ?? The Final Leg continues its journey, arriving in Cuneo with its powerful message of hope and change! On stage, Athlete Wyatt Wheetley (Northern California) and LETR volunteer Larry Jedrey (Massachusetts) moved the audience with their stories of determination and inclusion. ?? Next stop: Asti! #Turin2025 #TheFutureIsHere #LETRforSO ?? Cuneo accoglie la Fiamma della Speranza! ?? La Torch Run Final Leg continua il suo viaggio e arriva a Cuneo, portando con sé il suo messaggio di speranza e cambiamento! Dal palco, l’Atleta Wyatt Wheetley (California del Nord) e il volontario LETR Larry Jedrey (Massachusetts) hanno emozionato il pubblico con le loro storie di determinazione e inclusione. ?? Prossima tappa: Asti! #Turin2025 #TheFutureIsHere #LETRforSO

Join the officers and athletes from Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg and take the Spread the Word pledge to stand up to bullying, derogatory language, and creating inclusive environments. https://lnkd.in/gPRA83u #ChooseToInclude

"It's a unique experience, impossible to describe" - says Paolo Valardi, LETR Final Leg Runner - and he's absolutely right! You just have to live it! The stage in Vercelli was a celebration full of warmth. Next stop Cuneo and Asti! ???? #Turin2025 #TheFutureIsHere #LETRforSO "è un'esperienza unica, impossibile da raccontare" - dichiara Paolo Valardi, LETR Final Leg Runner - ed ha proprio ragione! Bisogna solo viverla! La tappa a Vercelli è stata una festa piena di calore. Prossime tappe Cuneo e ad Asti! ???? #Turin2025 #TheFutureIsHere #LETRforSO

The Torch Run Final Leg ignites Vercelli! The excitement and energy of the Torch Run Final Leg made a stop in Vercelli, sparking enthusiasm among athletes and supporters! On stage, Athlete Chris Johnstone (Western Australia) and LETR volunteer Hayley Schubert (NSW) shared their experiences, showcasing the power of sports in breaking barriers and bringing people together. ?? Next stop: Cuneo! ???? #Turin2025 #TheFutureIsHere #LETRforSO Photo: @Simone Castrovillari La Torch Run Final Leg infiamma Vercelli! L’entusiasmo e l’energia della Torch Run Final Leg hanno fatto tappa a Vercelli, accendendo l’emozione di atleti e sostenitori! Dal palco, l’Atleta Chris Johnstone (Western Australia) e la volontaria LETR Hayley Schubert (NSW) hanno raccontato le loro esperienze, testimoniando il potere dello sport nell’abbattere le barriere e unire le persone. ?? Prossima tappa: Cuneo! ???? #Turin2025 #TheFutureIsHere #LETRforSO

???? The Torch of the Special Olympics World Winter Games arrives in Sestriere! ???? The Final Leg Torch Run stops in Sestriere, carrying the message of inclusion, determination, and sports passion that defines the Special Olympics World Winter Games. From the stage, Athlete Jacob Babcock and LETR volunteer Brandon Long shared their stories, moving the audience with their experiences and commitment to a more inclusive world. ?? The Flame of Hope continues its journey through Italy, igniting the enthusiasm and energy of athletes, volunteers, and supporters. A symbolic moment that celebrates sports as a tool for change and unity! #Turin2025 #TheFutureIsHere #LETRforSO ?? Simone Castrovillar ???? La Torcia dei Giochi Mondiali Invernali Special Olympics arriva a Sestriere! ???? La Torch Run Final Leg fa tappa a Sestriere, portando con sé il messaggio di inclusione, determinazione e passione sportiva che caratterizza i Giochi Mondiali Invernali Special Olympics 2025! Dal palco, l’Atleta Jacob Babcock e il volontario LETR Brandon Long hanno condiviso le loro storie, emozionando il pubblico con la loro esperienza e il loro impegno per un mondo più inclusive. ?? La Fiamma della Speranza continua il suo viaggio attraverso l’Italia, accendendo l’entusiasmo e l’energia di atleti, volontari e sostenitori. Un momento simbolico che celebra lo sport come strumento di cambiamento e unione! #Turin2025 #TheFutureIsHere #LETRforSO

?? "We are a big family," says Valentina Marra, Special Olympics Italia Final Leg Runner. The passion, unity, and unstoppable energy of our runners is undeniable! The journey continues today toward Sestriere, ending on the football pitch in Turin! ? Stay tuned for more incredible moments! #Turin2025 #TheFutureIsHere #LETRforSO ?? ""Siamo una grande famiglia"", dice Valentina Marra, Final Leg Runner. La passione, l'unità e l'energia inarrestabile dei nostri corridori sono innegabili!? Il viaggio continua oggi verso il Sestriere, per concludersi sul campo di calcio di Torino! ? Resta sintonizzato per altri momenti incredibili!? #Torino2025 #TheFutureIsHere #LETRforSO"

The Law Enforcement Torch Run family has lost a legend—Walt Kuykendall. Walt was the only Torch Runner to have participated in every Torch Run in Wichita, Kansas, since 1981, running his final time in 2024. A gentle giant with an eternal guardian heart, Walt dedicated his life to the @SpecialOlympics movement and Law Enforcement Torch Run. Walt Kuykendall was one of the "Original Six" Torch Runners who participated in the run from the Wichita City Building to South High School with fellow members of the Wichita Police Department in support of Special Olympics Kansas. Walt Kuykendall retired after a 30-year career with the Wichita Police Department in 2001. When asked about the first torch run in the 25th Anniversary LETR Book, Kuykendall stated, "Upon our arrival, we marched into the stadium and helped the Special Olympics athlete light the torch to start the Kansas Special Olympics Summer Games. I will never forget the warmth and love expressed by the Special Olympics athletes and their parents. I was hooked. The athletes are the reason I have stayed active with the Torch Run for so many years." Walt was inducted into the Richard LaMunyon LETR Hall of Fame in 2022 with the other original runners Robert Bachman, Jack Leon, Jan McCloud and Don (Barney) Epsen. Walt, your legacy burns bright. You are forever a Guardian of the Flame, watching over us as we carry your passion forward. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. #LETRforso

The team kicked off the day with a powerful run from Monumento al Carabiniere, leading into a heartfelt celebration. ???? Special Olympics Italia athlete Alessandro Henry and Italian LETR volunteer Margi Michalska took the stage, sharing their incredible stories—each one a true inspiration. ? The Flame of Hope continues its journey across Italy! Stay tuned for more unforgettable moments as we approach the Special Olympics World Winter Games #Turin2025! ???? #TheFutureIsHere #LETRforSO ?? Simone Castrovillar Il team ha iniziato la giornata con una potente corsa dal Monumento al Carabiniere, seguita da una celebrazione emozionante. ???? L'atleta di Special Olympics Italia Alessandro Henry e la volontaria italiana LETR Margi Michalska sono saliti sul palco, condividendo le loro incredibili storie—ognuna una vera ispirazione. ? La Fiamma della Speranza continua il suo viaggio attraverso l'Italia! Resta con noi per altri momenti indimenticabili mentre ci avviciniamo ai Giochi Mondiali Invernali Special Olympics #Turin2025! ???? #TheFutureIsHere #LETRforSO

Day 1 of the Special Olympics Winter Games Final Leg Torch Run was unforgettable! "Everywhere we go, people wanna know who we are… so we tell them: We are the Torch Run, the mighty mighty Torch Run!" ???? From inspiring speeches to powerful moments with communities, the Flame of Hope is already igniting hearts across Italy. And we’re just getting started! Several more exciting days of runs await across the Piedmont region—stay tuned as we continue this incredible journey to #Turin2025! Follow this link to view photos from all of the events during the Final Leg. https://lnkd.in/gMQZ6efq #TheFutureIsHere #LETRforSO Il primo giorno della Final Leg Torch Run dei Giochi Mondiali Invernali Special Olympics è stato indimenticabile! "Ovunque andiamo, la gente vuole sapere chi siamo… e noi glielo diciamo: Siamo la Torch Run, la potente, potente Torch Run!" ???? Da discorsi ispiratori a momenti potenti con le comunità, la Fiamma della Speranza sta già accendendo i cuori in tutta Italia. E abbiamo appena iniziando! Ci aspettano ancora diversi giorni entusiasmanti di corse in tutto il Piemonte—resta con noi mentre continuiamo questo incredibile viaggio verso #Turin2025! #TheFutureIsHere #LETRforSO