Athlete Highlight: Nell Coonen-Korte
Hi! My name is Nell Coonen-Korte. I have been a Special Olympics Minnesota athlete for over 17 years. I participate in powerlifting, swimming, bowling and bocce.

I have taken almost every Athlete Leadership course offered! Some of my favorites have been Athletes as Coaches, Global Messenger, Athletes as Volunteers and Health & Wellness Ambassador. I'm even trained as an official Special Olympics North America Health Messenger.
I also recently completed the LETR Ambassador class, which I really enjoyed. It was great to learn more about our partnership with local law enforcement and how I can be a good representative of all our LETR initiatives.

I've taken part in almost every LETR event and fundraiser including the Polar Plunge, Plane Pull, Tip-A-Cops and the Final Leg. I really enjoy participating in the Law Enforcement Torch Run because I love the partnership we have with law enforcement, and I enjoy and have fun working with all the law enforcement officers.
I love participating and volunteering at LETR fundraisers and events, as I find it a great way to give back for all that Special Olympics has done for me. I have nothing but the utmost respect for law enforcement and all they do to help athletes like myself!

Thanks for all you do!

- Nell
Event Spotlight: Polar Plunge
Registration for the 2022 Polar Plunge season is officially open! The Plunge is an incredible event that brings together so many of our law enforcement partners, SOMN athletes and community members.

All of our favorite locations are back in 2022, and we'll be kicking off Plunges the last weekend of January. Register your team today!
LETR Highlight: Lt. Jim Nystrom
Jim Nystrom entered law enforcement in 1988 with the Three Rivers Park District. He eventually moved on to work with the Medina Police Department and wrapped up his career with the University of Minnesota Police Department (UMPD). He retired in March 2020 after what he calls, “a very rewarding and fulfilling career with many wonderfully talented and supportive officers and community members.”

Lt. Nystrom always had a passion for working with people with intellectual disabilities. In college, he studied to become a Special Education teacher at St. Cloud State University and worked at a group home in Buffalo, MN. In 1991, Jim volunteered at the Special Olympics World Games held in Minneapolis where he worked as an EMT and liaison to the Russian delegation. He says it was an incredible and inspiring experience.

“Working with and supporting such skilled athletes and coaches from around the world was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done.”
Having moved away from a teaching career and enjoying all the action that law enforcement provides, Jim got more involved with Special Olympics Minnesota in 2003. He became the LETR department representative for UMPD and a member of the Law Enforcement Torch Run Executive Council. Jim led the department's signature LETR events: Jail ‘N Bail, “M”azing Race, and the Polar Plunge.

From that time on, Lt. Nystrom served in various forms including participating on the Minneapolis Polar Plunge committee, presenting at conferences and serving on the planning committee for 2006 International Law Enforcement Torch Run Conference held in Minneapolis. He made, and continues to make, every effort to introduce new officers to Special Olympics Minnesota. He even included his family in various LETR activities, pictured above at the Plunge with his wingman and son, Josh.

In 2011, Jim was appointed the State Director for the LETR Executive Council where he served until the end of 2019. Throughout his term as director, he worked closely with LETR Executive Council members and department representatives across the state to further SOMN's mission of inclusion. He also hit the very special milestone of raising $4 million for SOMN during his time as director.
Even in retirement, Special Olympics Minnesota continues to be a huge part of Jim's life. He currently serves as an advisor to the LETR Executive Council and continues to attend fundraising events.

“There is nothing more rewarding than meeting and being alongside athletes and officers at LETR events,” says Lt. Nystrom.

“Lasting friendships are formed, and in a time when an officer needs to know people still appreciate what they do… athletes, their mentors, and their families are there for you and are your biggest fan! It also builds relationships with many, many great Minnesota law enforcement officers and public safety counterparts. And of course, I continue to call many of the folks at and involved with Special Olympics, both here in Minnesota and across the country, my friends.”
 
Jim continues to encourage participation from agencies across the state, creating ways departments of all sizes can become part of the movement. He also has expanded his passion for working with individuals with intellectual disabilities by working as a substitute teacher in special education rooms in several metro-area school districts. Jim's next step with SOMN is becoming a Unified partner for golf in 2022!
Help spread the word

We’re constantly updating our database so we can stay connected with all law enforcement partners. Our goal is to have a law enforcement representative at every agency within the state. This person would help spread information through our LETR newsletters and other emails. Please follow up with Kean Corkery at kean.corkery@somn.org to confirm that your agency has a liaison and help us spread the word in your area.
Recent events

We had a great time at this year's Maplewood LETR Golf Tournament! Thank you to Commander Mike Shortreed at the Maplewood PD who has organized this amazing event over the years. We appreciate each participant who helped raise $30,935!

We partnered with Dunkin' again this year for the Coffee with Champions event. It was a blast to bring athletes and law enforcement agencies together at 18 Dunkin' locations throughout Minnesota, raising a total of $23,374!

The Flame of Hope was carried throughout Minnesota in September during the Torch Run Final Leg! We appreciate all the law enforcement partners and volunteers across the state who helped raise awareness and funds for SOMN athletes. We anticipate this event returning in June 2022. If your agency is interested in learning more, please email catherine.jensen@somn.org.
Coming soon!
Truck Convoy: October 9, 2021

Join us for this year's Truck Convoy on Saturday, October 9th! The Truck Convoy is a two-day celebration that helps raise money and awareness for Special Olympics Minnesota. Truckers meet at Running Aces Casino & Racetrack and convoy along a pre-determined route.

Law enforcement volunteers are needed to assist with Truck Convoy traffic control from 8-11:30 AM. To get your agency involved, please contact Kathy Karkula at karkula300@icloud.com or 612-840-9660.
Kasson Tip-A-Cop: October 17, 2021

Head to the American Legion Post 333 on Sunday, October 17th from 1-4 PM to enjoy a great meal, watch the Vikings, support SOMN athletes and be "served" by law enforcement officers from the Kasson Police Department and the Dodge County Sheriff's Office. Athletes from the Rochester Flyers Special Olympics team will be there!
Host a Tip-A-Cop

Officers serve as celebrity servers at restaurants and donate all the tips they receive to Special Olympics Minnesota. Tip-A-Cop fundraisers are a fun and easy way for officers to raise money and interact with their communities while supporting local businesses.

"Tip-A-Cop events provide agencies with a uniquely wonderful opportunity to engage with the citizens and businesses located within their community, while partnering with Special Olympics Minnesota to simultaneously support their programming and build relationships with athletes! They're easy to plan and execute, and the memories will stick with you for years to come!"

Miranda Soldow, Richfield Police Department Investigator
Check out our 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 get further involved with the Law Enforcement Torch Run, visit our website or contact Kean Corkery at kean.corkery@somn.org.
Thank you for your commitment and support!