New Mexico Law Enforcement Torch Run Announces Modified State Relay Run to be held May 29
Law Enforcement Torch Run announces Modified State Relay Run to be held May 29
Albuquerque, New Mexico: Under the guidance of local and state health orders, the New Mexico Law Enforcement Torch Run (NMLETR) program for Special Olympics announces plans to host a Modified State Relay Run on Friday, May 29.
Despite the cancellation of the Special Olympics New Mexico (SONM) State Summer Games, law enforcement officers in the Albuquerque area will run the torch in stages into the Albuquerque Civic Plaza using social distancing guidelines, all in support of Special Olympics athletes around the state. “This is a remarkable opportunity for law enforcement agencies across the state to execute a modified version of our traditional relay run in support of Special Olympics,” said LETR State Director Ben Sanchez. “It’s important to all of us to keep the LETR State Relay Run tradition alive and to bring hope to Special Olympics athletes during this challenging time they are facing.”
The Modified State Relay Run will consist of a small team of runners (up to five total) plus a support vehicle covering 1-3 miles along assigned routes, independent of other agency routes. Each team member runs alone and symbolically “passes the torch” off at designated and socially distant points. The Modified State Relay Run will end in the Albuquerque Civic Plaza where a designated officer will light the Special Olympics cauldron.
LETR and Special Olympics supporters are encouraged to tune in on Facebook @NMLETR and @SpecialOlympicsNM the morning of May 29 to watch portions of the Modified State Relay Run online. People who would like to support this year’s Modified State Relay Run can text #LETRMiles4Hope to 44321 to donate.
Traditionally, over 60 law enforcement agencies—representing municipal, county, state, and tribal public safety officers—run and bike 1,600 miles across New Mexico culminating at the Special Olympics New Mexico State Summer Games in Albuquerque throughout May, leading up to the SONM State Summer Games. This year on May 29, the Modified State Relay Run will be held across the state as LETR agencies around New Mexico are encouraged to host their own modified relay run.
Agencies that are unable to participate in a modified state relay run have been invited to participate in the following alternative LETR activities over the next two months:
- Host a Virtual Meet & Greet: Officers inform, educate, engage and inspire local citizens.
- Visit Athlete Neighborhoods: Officers coordinate with SONM parents/guardians to pass by neighborhoods where athletes reside.
- Post a workout video or encouragement video: Officers provide short videos of workouts to help keep SONM athletes active. Other officers post videos including words of encouragement for SONM athletes during this time when SONM practices and competitions are cancelled.
Boilerplate:
The New Mexico Law Enforcement Torch Run is a community-building organization that promotes and empowers New Mexico law enforcement agencies to raise awareness and funds year-round for Special Olympics New Mexico, while providing opportunities, encouragement, and hope to SONM athletes and families in the process. In New Mexico, LETR is proudly presented by Wells Fargo. Additional community partners include: Pic Quik (Las Cruces), Rio Grande Credit Union, Illumination Works LLC, Bosque Brewing Company, Centerra, Brycon Construction, Duke City Gladiators, CARQUEST Auto Parts (statewide) and Penfold Live.
