Global LETR Community Comes Together in the Bahamas
The Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics (LETR) community came together in a unique way this July as law enforcement officers, Special Olympics athletes, family members, and supporters participated in the inaugural LETR Cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas.
The cruise brought together individuals representing 27 Special Olympics Programs, including Programs from across the United States, Canada, and New South Wales, Australia. The four-night experience provided an opportunity to build relationships across Programs and countries, with a highlight taking place in Nassau, The Bahamas, where the international delegation joined the Royal Bahamas Police Force and Special Olympics Bahamas for a day centered on inclusion and the shared mission of LETR.
Carrying the Flame of Hope Through Nassau
The Nassau activation began at Royal Bahamas Police Force Headquarters, where Commissioner of Police Shanta E. Knowles and members of the Senior Executive Leadership Team welcomed the international delegation.
Cruise participants then joined Royal Bahamas Police Force officers and recruits, Special Olympics Bahamas athletes, and local supporters for a ceremonial Torch Run from Police Headquarters to the historic Queen’s Staircase and through the surrounding community. Together, they carried the Flame of Hope, demonstrating the partnership between law enforcement and Special Olympics that extends across borders.
For participants, the Torch Run offered an opportunity to experience LETR beyond their own local Programs and see firsthand the global reach of the movement.
The LETR Cruise brought together Torch Runners and Special Olympics athletes from around the world. The incredible hospitality of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the opportunity to carry the Flame of Hope through the streets of Nassau made this a truly special experience and a powerful way to share our message of inclusion.
– John Clifton, LETR International Executive Council Chairman
The visit also built upon a longstanding relationship between the Royal Bahamas Police Force and Special Olympics Bahamas. For more than two decades, the Royal Bahamas Police Force has supported Special Olympics and LETR, demonstrating the important role law enforcement can play in advancing inclusion.
Cruising With a Purpose
Booked in partnership with Cruise International, the inaugural LETR Cruise incorporated a fundraising model designed to benefit participating Special Olympics Programs and Special Olympics, Inc.
Through contributions built into each booking, support from Royal Caribbean, and a percentage of the overall cruise rate donated by Cruise International following the sailing, nearly $10,000 was raised to benefit the Special Olympics movement, with funds shared between participating local Programs and Special Olympics, Inc.
The Nassau activation created additional impact, raising more than $2,300 for the athletes of Special Olympics Bahamas through the Torch Run. The LETR International Executive Council also donated a new official LETR Torch, LETR flag, and shirts for Bahamian participants to support the continued growth of LETR in The Bahamas.
The greatest legacy we can leave isn’t measured by the places we visit, but by the lives we impact. Bringing law enforcement together from around the world to support Special Olympics is a privilege and proved that the cruise was more than a journey through the Caribbean – it was a journey of service.
— Jimmy Johnson, LETR International Executive Council Member and Cruise Participant
Inclusion in Action
The mission continued beyond the Torch Run as cruise participants joined Special Olympics Bahamas athletes for a Unified Sports® exhibition. Law enforcement officers and other participants competed alongside athletes, building connections through sport and experiencing inclusion in action.
Four Special Olympics athletes also participated in the LETR Cruise as part of the international delegation, bringing athlete engagement into the overall cruise experience.
I was overjoyed with the warm reception of Nassau Police. It was wonderful to see officers come together from around the world to support Special Olympics. During the Torch Run, the Nassau Police cadets cadence inspired me to keep running and filled my heart with joy. So many wonderful people working for a common goal.
From carrying the Flame of Hope through Nassau to competing alongside Special Olympics Bahamas athletes, the inaugural LETR Cruise brought together members of the movement from around the world around a shared mission.
The Torch, funds raised, and relationships created through the experience will continue to make an impact long after the Wonder of the Seas sailed away.
