Athlete Highlight: Kayte Barton |
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My name is Kayte Barton and I have been involved with Special Olympics for 25 years. I have competed in poly hockey, aquatics, track and field, softball and golf. I am a Global Messenger, Health Messenger, athlete coach, Ambassador, and LETR Ambassador. I took the LETR Ambassador course this year and my Unified partner was Sargent Alanna Kopel from Woodbury Public Safety. I was very excited to have her as my partner! |
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I am happy to help get Woodbury Public Safety involved with LETR. Alanna took on LETR as result of taking the course with me. I have done many LETR events such as Polar Plunge, Cop on Top, Tip-a-Cop, and Final Leg. I advocated to bring the Polar Plunge to my home city, and I am looking forward to seeing more LETR events in Woodbury. |
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I love being involved with LETR! I have learned how to develop a relationship with my local public safety department as a result of my involvement with LETR. Now I have so many law enforcement friends. The officers accept me for who I am—they are always excited to see me and my fellow athletes. The camaraderie is awesome! |
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Kean Corkery, Special Olympics Minnesota's Director of Special Events, says, "Kayte is one of our stellar athlete leaders who works hard to connect SOMN and LETR together, growing the LETR family and promoting the message of inclusion! We are fortunate to have her involved and spreading the word in her community." |
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Event Spotlight: 2021 Polar Plunge wrap-up |
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The 2021 Plunge season was another huge success! In spite of all the restrictions and subsequent modifications we had to make, we were able to surpass our Plunge season goals in fundraising and awareness. Thanks to everyone’s efforts, we were able to raise $2.8M! We are already planning the 2022 Plunge season and hoping we can get back to our traditional approach and return to our winter dates. |
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Want to start a Polar Plunge in your area but don’t have a lake? We can bring our new mobile Plunge trailer to your community! As we make plans for next year’s Plunge season, let us know if you want to use our Plungester. This new approach to the LETR Plunge events is a great way for law enforcement to connect with their communities and raise funds as well as awareness for Special Olympics Minnesota.
Plunge clearance sale!
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LETR Highlight: Shane Quinn
My name is Shane Quinn. I have been in law enforcement for 18 years. Over that time, I have run in a half dozen Torch Runs, Polar Plunged into the ice-cold water a handful of times, served food for tips a couple times and bowled to raise money for SOMN. Oftentimes, I'd bring my family along for the fun!
I've been drawn to Special Olympics athletes for three main reasons: I love sports myself; law enforcement has partnered with Special Olympics; and I love to see the joy and determination in the faces of the athletes.
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My most recent personal physical challenge to raise funding for SOMN was to take on the Everesting Challenge on my bicycle. What is Everesting? The rules are simple: Pick a hill anywhere in the world and ride up and down that hill to the equivalent elevation of Mt. Everest (29,032’) in one ride without sleeping. I attempted this a few weeks ago. |
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Unfortunately, I had Internet connection issues with the app, which lost three hours of my riding. I abandoned my effort after 15 hours of riding, over 120 miles traveled, and climbing approx. 20,000 feet in elevation. I will attempt it again soon.
I will also continue to participate in other Special Olympics Minnesota fundraising events. I would encourage you to do the same. It’s good for your soul and for the Special Olympics athletes!
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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 eblasts 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.
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Congratulations to Officer Kate Deering! |
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Kate Deering from Brooklyn Center PD was awarded the Officer of the Year at this year's Minnesota Association of Women Police (MAWP) Banquet held on May 16, 2021, at Breezy Point Resort. Kate regularly volunteers with Special Olympics Minnesota: She participates in Polar Plunge and helps organize our Final Leg Torch Run. She's also a member of the Law Enforcement Torch Run Executive Council. |
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We want to extend a big congratulations to a well-deserving member of our LETR community! |
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Coming soon!
The Torch Run will be back the week of September 20, 2021! We're giving you extra time to stretch and prepare for returning to an in-person event! We are currently working on the hat and shirt designs and will send out information once they're completed. For questions, please contact Cat Jensen at catherine.jensen@somn.org.
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A few golf tournaments will be happening throughout the summer/fall months. Our website will be updated soon with dates and other details.
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How to get involved
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.
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Thank you for your commitment and support! |
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