About Torch Run
Where it All Began
Torch Run had its beginnings in 1981 when Wichita, Kansas Police Chief Richard LaMunyon created the Torch Run. He thought the Torch Run would help law enforcement be active in the community and support Special Olympics Kansas.
From those humble beginnings of five officers in 1981, the Torch Run has grown to be a truly global movement with a presence in 32 countries and involving over 110,000 police officers on an annual basis.
Torch Run Programs have existed in Australia and New Zealand since 2004, working tirelessly to develop and maintain fundraising initiatives providing support to Special Olympics programs.
The Guardians of the Flame
Known as ‘The Guardians of the Flame’, the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is a charitable program that is the largest grass roots funding and awareness vehicle for Special Olympics globally. Partnering with Special Olympics has seen over 3,000 fundraising events occur globally each year. They are the guardians of the Special Olympics flame, the ‘Flame of Hope’.
Together, Law Enforcement Officers and Special Olympics athletes create the ultimate team to proudly carry the torch for the Games. It is an image of unity, as two communities become one in celebration of inclusion and strength.
Victoria Police employees volunteer by assisting at events and donating through work place fundraisers. LETR provides the opportunity for local police offers to engage and connect with the intellectually disabled community.
Meet the Committee
Matt Volk
President & Torch Run Director
Kate Lockyer
Vice President
Gala Ball CoordinatorAthlete Leadership Awards Coordinator
Dean Earp
SecretaryPublic Officer
Andrew Beattie
Treasurer
Mick Olsen
Committee Member
Jacqui Osterman
Athlete Leadership Coordinator
Katherine Towers
Social Media, Marketing and Communications
Bill Hallam
SOV Athlete Representative
Rachael Kelly
Committee Member & LETR Coordinator – North East
Andrew Sarvas
Committee Member
Trelawney Dewe
Committee Member
Winter Sports Coordinator
Tegan O’Dowd
Event Coordinator/Regional Coordinator for Western Region
Internal Communications
Chelsea McKay
Event Coordinator
Polar Plunge Coordinator
Gerard De Leon
Committee Member - City Torch Run Coordinator
Laureina Everett
Committee Member - City Torch Run Coordinator
Lauren Lupi
Committee Member – Recruit Presentations
Cass D’Alessandro
Committee Member
Barwon Regional Coordinator
Amy Woodland
Committee Member
Southern Regional Coordinator
Rory McCormick
Committee Member
Chief's Challenge Assistant Coordinator
Mel Rankin
Committee Member
Chief's Challenge Coordinator
Renee Campbell
Committee Member
Splash Coordinator
Andrew Sarvas
Committee Member
Recruit Presentations
Peter Blakeman
TorchRun Photographer at large
Elissa Burgoyne
LETR Contractor
Business Manager
Contact Us
Law Enforcement Torch Run Victoria
Attn: Business Manager
PO Box: Australia Post
Port Melbourne Post Shop
204 Bay Street, Port Melbourne, VIC, 3207
