A new pathway for the LETR community to serve athletes, experience Special Olympics World Games and fundraise in support of Special Olympics.
Beyond the Flame is a new Law Enforcement Torch Run® pilot initiative launching at the 2027 Special Olympics World Games in Santiago, Chile. The inaugural team will bring together up to 20 members of the LETR community to serve as official World Games volunteers while fundraising in support of the Special Olympics movement.
Beyond the Flame complements the traditional LETR Final Leg by creating a different opportunity for members of the LETR community to experience and support a Special Olympics World Games. It does not replace or expand Final Leg.
Who Should Apply?
Beyond the Flame is designed to create a broader pathway to World Games involvement for the LETR community. Potential participants include:
- Active LETR volunteers and law enforcement personnel
- Former Final Leg participants and LETR alumni
- Special Olympics Program staff and LETR Liaisons
- Family members participating alongside an eligible LETR participant
Family members may only participate if their eligible LETR family member is also participating. Family members are not eligible to participate independently.
Applicants should be in good standing with their local Special Olympics and LETR Programs and receive the appropriate Program support. Law enforcement participants may also be required to receive approval from their agency leadership
What is the Participant Commitment?
Beyond the Flame is both a service and fundraising opportunity.
Each participant will have an individual $10,000 fundraising goal. Funds raised first help cover the approved costs associated with participation, including anticipated airfare, hotel and required program-related travel expenses. Funds raised beyond approved costs benefit the Special Olympics movement.
Selected participants must also:
- Be eligible and available for international travel to Santiago, Chile
- Have or be able to obtain a valid passport
- Complete required World Games volunteer registration, training and credentialing
- Be prepared for a minimum five-day commitment, including international travel
- Represent LETR and their local Special Olympics Program in a public-facing environment
What is the Pilot Timeline?
December 11, 2026
Applications and nominations close
By December 31, 2026
Participant selection completed
January 2027
Selected participants notified and fundraising begins
July 2027
Minimum participation fundraising deadline
July–August 2027
Training and travel preparations finalized
October 15–19, 2027
Anticipated Beyond the Flame activation in Santiago
December 2027
Revenue share distributed to participating Programs
What is Included?
Beyond the Flame participants will travel and serve together as part of the official LETR World Games volunteer team. Funds raised through the initiative will first help cover approved participation costs associated with the experience.
Approved program costs are anticipated to include:
- Round-trip airfare to Santiago, Chile
- Hotel accommodations during the Beyond the Flame activation
- World Games volunteer participation and credentialing
- Pre-Games training and preparation
- Coordination and support for the Beyond the Flame team
Participants should plan for an anticipated five-day/four-night in-country experience in Santiago.
Each participant has a $10,000 fundraising goal. Fundraising first supports approved participation costs such as flights and hotel fees. Funds raised beyond those costs support the Special Olympics movement, allowing each participant’s impact to extend beyond their individual World Games experience.
Final travel arrangements, accommodations, volunteer schedules, included expenses and participant requirements will be confirmed with selected participants as planning for the 2027 World Games progresses.
Is Beyond the Flame a Pilot Program?
Yes. Beyond the Flame is a pilot initiative launching with the 2027 Special Olympics World Games in Santiago, Chile.
The inaugural team will help us learn what works, what can be improved and how Beyond the Flame could evolve in the future. Participants will be asked to share feedback about their experience, and that feedback will be an important part of evaluating the pilot and improving the program if it is successful and continues.
Because this is a pilot, some aspects of the program, including schedules, volunteer assignments, travel arrangements and other details, may be adjusted as planning progresses.
Is there a one-pager I can share with my Program?
Yes. A Beyond the Flame one-pager is available to help you share the opportunity with your LETR Program, including Directors, Liaisons and interested LETR volunteers.
The one-pager provides an overview of the pilot program, eligibility, fundraising expectations, key dates and how to apply.
Download the Beyond the Flame One-Pager
Applications are open through December 11, 2026. We encourage Programs to share the information broadly with their LETR community.
Applications are open now through December 11, 2026.