Athlete Highlight: Dave Lane

Since joining Special Olympics Minnesota 19 years ago, I have participated in 16 sports. Most recently, I have been involved in track, poly hockey and flag football. In addition, I play ice hockey on the Minnesota Wild Special Hockey team, bike and hike and run approximately 24 miles per week. I am a Global Messenger and certified coach. I like making new friends through SOMN.
My LETR involvement started with my first Plunge in 2001. I participated in the LETR Torch Run at National Games in Iowa and became the Athlete Representative on the MN LETR Executive Council and on the International LETR Executive Council for a 2-year term.
When I was in school, I wanted to participate in sports but was only offered the positions of team manager, ball boy or videographer—never an athlete. That all changed when I joined SOMN. Now I am an athlete, mentor and coach on the field, track, course and court!
My role, I think, is to inspire the officers by running right beside them showing them what a SOMN athlete can achieve when given the opportunity and support which they provide. I get to help all the officers from all around the world, who are now my friends.
My successes are really our successes together because LETR and SOMN have provided the opportunity, support and awareness for all the athletes. Thank you LETR and SOMN for all you have given me and my fellow athletes.
Our virtual Torch Run event was a success!

The spirit of Special Olympics Minnesota was alive and thriving through our Braver Together virtual Torch Run event! Thanks to everyone who participated and helped break the record for miles completed!

  • $35,000 raised
  • 5,661 miles completed (in a typical year, we run 925 miles)
  • 488 participants
Join us for the 2020 Truck Convoy on Oct. 10

Law Enforcement involvement is needed to assist with the Truck Convoy traffic control from 8-11:30 a.m. To get your agency involved, please contact Kathy Karkula at karkulak300@icloud.com or 612.840.9660.

The Truck Convoy is a two-day celebration that helps raise money and awareness for Special Olympics Minnesota athletes. The truckers meet at Running Aces Casino & Racetrack and convoy along a pre-determined route.
Throw a plane for SOMN

Due to COVID-19, we had to cancel Plane Pull as we know it, but we’d love to have you join us for our all-new Plane Throw! Participants can sign up as a team or individual to see how well they can build/throw an airplane. There are three different divisions to build a paper airplane the way you’d like!
Plunge into 2021 with us

Times are tough, but we're tougher. We're working hard to plan a safe and exciting Plunge season for you in 2021. Stay tuned for our official launch on November 1. Have a chill October!
LETR Highlight: Kevin Torgerson

My involvement in Special Olympics and Law Enforcement Torch Run simply started at the urging of another officer to join in a Torch Run. That's it—run a couple miles and we're done. From that spark as we ran the torch into my first track and field (athletics) competition, being greeted by excited athletes, coaches and families was all it took to be hooked.
Every Special Olympics Minnesota event is the happiest place on earth! My involvement with Torch Run and SOMN has brought me across the state and the country, to Canada and China, even! Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought SOMN and Torch Run would touch and shape my life in the way they have.
To raise the money we do and support such a fantastic cause, where not only do you get to see what the money does after we raise it, but you get to experience it! Any law enforcement agency, Sheriff or Chief who is not involved in Special Olympics Minnesota or Law Enforcement Torch Run is missing out on a fantastic community engagement opportunity.

Don’t wait another day, get involved today!
How to get involved

Check out our newly redesigned LETR website! We have information on all our LETR events, new recruitment presentations and handouts, information about open positions on our Executive Council and much more.

To learn more or get further involved with the Law Enforcement Torch Run, contact Kean Corkery at kean.corkery@somn.org.
Thank you for your commitment and support!