The
Law Enforcement Torch Run is an important awareness raising and fundraising programme for Special Olympics organised by the
Police Service of Northern Ireland and
An Garda Síochána in Ireland.
Aims of the Torch Run
 | | To raise awareness of the Special Olympics movement To fundraise for Special Olympics To serve as guardians for the Flame of Hope
|
Torch Run in Ireland
In Ireland, the Torch Run first took place in 1989 when members of An Garda Síochána undertook the project. In 1996 the Torch Run made history when both the Garda Síochána and the Royal Ulster Constabulary (now known as the Police Service Northern Ireland) took part in an all-island Torch Run.
Office Bearers / Committee
An Garda Síochana
Chairman: Assistant Commissioner Orla McPartlin
Committee members: Superintendent Brian Brunton, Michaela Moloney, Gary Gordon, Hilda Maloney, Gavin Hegarty, Chris Verling and Derek Gallagher
PSNI
President: Assistant Chief Constable Stephen Martin
Chairman/Director: Constable David Smith
Secretary: Sargent Ivan Shields
Committee members: Jeremy Adams (retired Inspector), Constable Andy Watson, Michele Ennis, David McCausland (retired Inspector), Gill Hoyle and Diarmuid Sands.
 | | Since the committee's formation, joint PSNI/Garda Síochána Torch Runs have been held for international and all-Ireland Special Olympics Gamesand each Torch Run has been honoured to have Special Olympics athletes on the Torch Run team. |
The PSNI and the Garda Siochana currently support many fundraising activities for Special Olympics most notably the Polar Plunges and Cops on Donuts.
What is S.O.L.E.?
S.O.L.E. is The Special Olympics Law Enforcement Training Programme, a joint venture between Special Olympics Ireland with An Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). The programme was incoprorated into the
regular curriculum at the training colleges of both forces in 2005 as an extension of the worldwide Law Enforcement Torch Run activities.