Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office was honored to join representatives from law enforcement agencies around the state recently for the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics Arkansas Kick-Off Conference and Winter Games, held annually in Springdale, Arkansas. Attending this year were 56 representatives from 24 different law enforcement agencies around the state. Locally, representatives from Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office, Conway Police Department, Mayflower Police Department, and the City of Guy Police Department attended.

During the kick-off conference, officers learned about partnerships and fundraising opportunities with Special Olympics Arkansas as well as the current state of affairs and needs of the athletes. The kick-off conference concluded with officers running the Flame of Hope and proudly carrying it into the Opening Ceremonies for the Winter Games. As Special Olympics Arkansas Athlete Leader and LETR Executive Council Member Stephanie Price stated, “It’s not about running the torch with your legs, it’s about running with your heart.”

This year, 500 incredible athletes, unified partners, and coaches participated in the winter games. We are blessed to be able to support the athletes as unified partners in the games in addition to presenting awards following competitions.