H.Con.Res. 76

119 HCON 76 IH: Recognizing the visionary leadership of Chief Richard LaMunyon and the profound global impact of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.
 U.S. House of Representatives
 2026-03-05
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 IV  119th CONGRESS  2d Session  H. CON. RES. 76  IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES   March 5, 2026   Mr. Estes  submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the  Committee on Foreign Affairs , and in addition to the Committee on  the Judiciary , for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned   CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
Recognizing the visionary leadership of Chief Richard LaMunyon and the profound global impact of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.
Whereas, in 1979, Wichita, Kansas, Police Chief Richard LaMunyon was invited to the Special Olympics Kansas State Summer Games;
Whereas Chief LaMunyon witnessed firsthand the unique bond between athletes and law enforcement officers, having been moved by the  tears of joy  and excitement of a young athlete while presenting her with a medal;
Whereas this interaction served as the  spark  for Chief LaMunyon to commit his department to supporting Special Olympics Kansas (SOKS);
Whereas Chief LaMunyon sought to eliminate the financial burden on athletes and their families, who at the time were required to pay for dinner dance banquets;
Whereas, in June 1981, Chief LaMunyon and his officers launched the first  Flame of Hope  run from Wichita City Hall to South High School, raising approximately $300 in its inaugural year;
Whereas Chief LaMunyon collaborated with Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the founder of Special Olympics, to ensure the athletes remained at the forefront of the mission;
Whereas, after witnessing the  loud roar of support  and positive interactions between hundreds of officers and athletes at the Kansas Summer Games, Eunice Kennedy Shriver gave her official blessing for what is now known as the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR);
Whereas the LETR has grown from a local initiative in Wichita to the largest grassroots movement supporting Special Olympics worldwide;
Whereas the movement now spans all 50 States, all provinces of Canada, and over 25 other countries;
Whereas more than 150,000 law enforcement officers participate in LETR events annually; and
Whereas, since its inception in 1981, the movement has raised a total of $1,139,597,747 to support individuals with intellectual disabilities: Now, therefore, be it
That Congress—
(1)
recognizes Chief Richard LaMunyon for his visionary leadership in founding the Law Enforcement Torch Run;
(2)
commends the 150,000 law enforcement officers who continue to carry the  Flame of Hope  and foster community inclusion; and
(3)
celebrates the  roaring flame of stability  that the Law Enforcement Torch Run provides to the Special Olympics movement worldwide.