WHAT IS IT?
The mission of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is to raise funds for and awareness of Special Olympics worldwide. Throughout the World, law enforcement officers carry the Special Olympics torch around their area/country in what is one of the largest fundraising events for the organisation.

 THE TORCH RUN IN IRELAND
In Ireland, the Torch Run first took place in 1989 when members of the Garda Siochana undertook the project. In 1996 the Torch Run made history when both the Garda Siochana and the Royal Ulster Constabulary (now known as the Police Service for Northern Ireland) took part in an all-island Torch Run

 FUNDRAISING AND AWARENESS
The Torch Run is one of the most high profile events organised by Special Olympics Ireland. On average, the Run takes place over about 10 days with hundreds of police officers from all over the country taking part as it travels throughout Ireland. Planning for the Run takes many months and lots of dedicated volunteers who form local committees to organise awareness and fundraising events. The most recent National Torch Run took place in 1999 and raised almost €250,000 for Special Olympics Ireland. This money is used to provide grants to Special Olympics Clubs and to support the four Special Olympics Ireland Regions.

 FINAL LEG TORCH RUN 2003
The Final Leg Torch Run 2003 was a European event prior to the start of the Special Olympics World Summer Games 2003 in Ireland. The flame was lit in Athens, Greece, on 4th June 2003 and travelled across Europe before arriving in Ireland on 13th June. The Run then travelled around Ireland visiting many of the Host Towns for the World Games before arriving in Croke Park on 21st June for the Opening Ceremony of the 2003 World Games.

More information on the Torch Run worldwide can be found at www.specialolympics.org or at www.carquest.com where you will find photographs and reports from the 2003 Final Leg Torch Run.