POCATELLO — Law enforcement officers and deputies from across eastern Idaho carried the Special Olympics Flame of Hope through several regional communities Wednesday, making stops in Idaho Falls, Fort Hall, Shelley and Pocatello as part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run ahead of the 2026 State Summer Games.

The Pocatello leg of the run started at Frazier Hall at Idaho State University and ended at Caldwell Park. Mike Fitch, Law Enforcement Torch Run liaison, said the Pocatello stop was one of 20 scheduled this year along a route stretching more than 1,100 miles across Idaho — up from 13 stops last year.

“We started last week in northern Idaho,” Fitch said. “We worked our way 1,100 miles through northern Idaho.”

Fitch added, “It’s a ceremonial thing. We’re really trying to promote awareness for the Special Olympics more than anything.”

About 30 people participated in the Pocatello leg, beginning with a torch lighting ceremony. During the run, the torch was passed between officers and athletes until they reached the finish line at Caldwell Park, where the Pocatello Police Department was also raising awareness about its Know Me program, which helps officers better serve individuals with various disabilities.

“It ended up working well to tie everything together,” Fitch said.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run was initiated in 1981 by Wichita Police Chief Richard LaMunyon and has since grown into a worldwide movement with more than 100,000 officers participating annually.

Law enforcement officers, known as Guardians of the Flame, carry the Special Olympics Torch — symbolizing the Flame of Hope — through communities ahead of Special Olympics opening ceremonies. The organization has raised more than $1 billion for Special Olympics and also fundraises through signature events such as the Polar Plunge, Plane Pull and Tip-A-Cop.

“Since 1981, LETR has raised $1 billion for the Special Olympics,” Fitch said. “I think it’s a really good awareness campaign, both for the Special Olympics and the law enforcement that supports us.”

Fitch said he hopes to reach 25 stops next year.

The Idaho LETR will culminate with a ceremonial torch arrival at the Opening Ceremony of the State Summer Games at Nampa High School at 6 p.m. Friday, May 29. The free, family-friendly event begins with a carnival, food trucks and games, and will also feature team introductions and an F-15 flyover. Competitions take place Saturday, May 30 across multiple Nampa locations.

Athletes from across the state will gather in Nampa to compete in basketball, flag football, track and field, cycling and aquatics. Some athletes will advance to the 2026 USA Games in Minnesota in June, where Team Idaho will send 32 athletes to compete in bocce, bowling, swimming, basketball, track and field and flag football.

To support Team Idaho, visit specialolympicsidaho.org.