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 Team
Committee
- Matt VOLK – President, Torch Run Director
- Kate LOCKYER – Vice President
- Dean EARP – Secretary
- Andrew BEATTIE – Treasurer
- Mick OLSEN – LETR R14 (Oceania) Coordinator, Public Officer
- Chelsea MCKAY – Event Coordinator
- Tegan O’DOWD – Event Coordinator, Internal Communications
- Elissa BURGOYNE – Business Manager
- Bill HALLAM – Special Olympics Athlete Representative
- Jacqui OSTERMAN – Athlete Leadership Coordinator, Social Media, Marketing and Communications
- Katherine TOWERS – Social Media, Marketing and Communications
- Trelawney DEWE – Winter Sports Coordinator
- Rachael KELLY – North Eastern Regional Coordinator
- Amy WOODLAND – Southern Regional Coordinator
- Cass D’ALESSANDRO – South Western Regional Coordinator
- Laureina EVERETT – General Committee Member
- Andrew SARVAS – General Committee Member
- Joshua ROBINSON – General Committee Member
- Lauren LUPI – General Committee Member
- Melanie RANKIN – General Committee Member
- Rory McCormick – General Committee Member
- Renee CAMPBELL – General Committee Member
- Gerard DE LEON – General Committee Member
Alumni
Coming soon
Executive Committee
- COMING SOON
General Committee
- COMING SOON
Corporate Advisory Group
Coming soon
Contact Us
Law Enforcement Torch Run Victoria
PO Box 387
Port Melbourne Victoria 3207