The 2026 Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics Southern California will make its way through South Santa Barbara County on Tuesday, June 2, uniting local law enforcement agencies in support of Special Olympics athletes through the symbolic carrying of the Torch Run Flame of Hope.

Torch Run participants, carrying blue, white and yellow flag in this photo, will be in Santa Barbara area on Tuesday, June 2. (Courtesy photo)
Torch Run participants will be in Santa Barbara area on Tuesday, June 2. (Courtesy photo)

The community is invited to show their support and join on the steps of the Santa Barbara Police Department, 215 E. Figueroa St., at 1:15 p.m. June 2, where Torch Run participants will arrive as part of their route.

“The Santa Barbara Police Department is proud to host this year’s Torch Run ceremony and support Special Olympics alongside our partner agencies throughout South Santa Barbara County,” the department said.

The ceremony will include remarks from Special Olympics representatives and Police Chief Kelly Gordon.

Since its creation in 1981, the LETR has been the largest public awareness and fundraising initiative for Special Olympics Southern California.

Throughout the year, more than 3,000 law enforcement officers across the region take part in the Torch Run in support of their local Special Olympics athletes.

This year’s South Santa Barbara County Torch Run will include participation from the following agencies:

• California State Parks Department
• California Highway Patrol
• University of California Santa Barbara Police Department
• Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office
• Santa Barbara Police Department
• Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office
• Santa Barbara County Probation Office
• Santa Barbara Airport Patrol
• Santa Barbara Harbor Patrol
 
“The Santa Barbara Police Department remains a proud supporter of Special Olympics and the Law Enforcement Torch Run and is committed to uplifting athletes through year-round community partnership and engagement,” the department said.

“The Law Enforcement Torch Run is one of the greatest honors of our profession. Each year, carrying the Flame of Hope reminds us why we serve,” said Police Chief Kelly Gordon. “Supporting Special Olympics athletes as we run beside them is a privilege, and their determination inspires our entire department.

“We are proud to help carry this torch and the message of inclusion it represents.”