Title
Probation Department, together with the El Dorado County Special Olympics, US Forest Service, California State Parks, California Highway Patrol-Placerville, California Highway Patrol-South Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County Sheriff, El Dorado County District Attorney, El Dorado County Public Defender, El Dorado County Alternate Public Defender, Placerville Police Department, South Lake Tahoe Police Department, El Dorado County Fire Protection District, CAL FIRE, and the El Dorado County Office of Education, with sponsorship by Supervisor Ferrero and Supervisor Parlin, recommending the Board approve and authorize the Chair to sign a Proclamation recognizing June 20, 2025, as “Torch Run Day.”
FUNDING: N/A
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DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
Special Olympics is the world's largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, providing year-round training and activities to 5 million participants and Unified Sports partners in 172 countries. Special Olympics competitions are held daily, all around the world - including local, national, and regional competitions, adding up to more than 100,000 events a year.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is a global initiative that engages law enforcement officers to support individuals with intellectual disabilities through the Special Olympics. Founded in 1981 by Wichita Police Chief Richard LaMunyon, the LETR aims to raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics movement. Officers participate in torch relays, carrying the "Flame of Hope" to various events, including the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics. The LETR is recognized as the largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics worldwide.
The Northern California Law Enforcement Torch Run was established in 1997 and since then has raised over $20 million. On Friday, June 20, 2025, El Dorado County will be hosting two locations for the El Dorado County Law Enforcement Torch Run. At 10:00am the Flame of Hope will be carried through South Lake Tahoe ending with a small ceremony including a Mayor proclamation at the finish line at El Dorado Beach. The torch will then come to Placerville at 2:00pm and be carried down Main Street starting at the Mosquito Road Transfer Station to the Bell Tower for a formal Hand Off Ceremony to Sacramento County. Representatives from Probation, the El Dorado County Special Olympics, US Forest Service, California State Parks, California Highway Patrol-Placerville, California Highway Patrol-South Lake Tahoe, El Dorado County Sheriff, El Dorado County District Attorney, El Dorado County Public Defender, El Dorado County Alternate Public Defender, Placerville Police Department, South Lake Tahoe Police Department, El Dorado County Fire Protection District, CAL FIRE, and the El Dorado County Office of Education will be on hand at the Bell Tower and El Dorado Beach in South Lake Tahoe ceremonies.
Donation and registration information can be found at:
https://p2p.onecause.com/2025torchrun/team/el-dorado-county-law-enforcement
ALTERNATIVES
The Board may choose not to approve this proclamation.
PRIOR BOARD ACTION
06/06/2023 Legistar file 23-1011
OTHER DEPARTMENT / AGENCY INVOLVEMENT
Supervisor Ferrero, Supervisor Parlin
CAO RECOMMENDATION
Approve as recommended.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact associated with this item.
CLERK OF THE BOARD FOLLOW UP ACTIONS
Obtain the Chair’s signature on the Proclamation and forward a copy of the signed Proclamation to Probation, attn: Jackie Cook.
STRATEGIC PLAN COMPONENT:
N/A
Contact:
Jackie S. Cook, Administrative Analyst, 530-621-5588