SOWG Final Leg Runner Application

Applicant Requirements: (MUST READ AND AGREE TO) SELECTION CRITERIA FOR TORCH RUNNERS Selection should be based on previously established dedication and commitment to Special Olympics and the Torch Run. The candidate should be heavily and currently involved in your Torch Run Program and show outstanding potential for future Torch Run involvement. Continued growth within local programs is a key objective in forming a Final Leg team, therefore the Final Leg Planning Committee strongly recommends selecting a Torch Runner who has not previously participated in that same capacity in a previous Final Leg. o The candidate must be a full-time or retired member of a law enforcement agency — see below. Any “gray areas” should be discussed with Final Leg Planning Committee Chairman Mark McCorkle prior to submission Law Enforcement Agency Federal, national, state, provincial, tribal, military, municipal, county, city, local, or corrections agency that is responsible for enforcing statutes, regulations, or ordinances. This definition is intended to be broad to include organizations similar to those described in the preceding sentence in areas outside North America as may be determined by the Executive Council from time to time. Law Enforcement Member Requirements for the Final Leg Any person who is a sworn or commissioned member of or retired in good standing from a Law Enforcement Agency and who is a Law Enforcement Torch Run volunteer. For the purposes of the Final Leg, the requirement for sworn or commissioned member is an individual who has the authority to enforce laws, make arrests, and perform other law enforcement functions as defined by statute. If the selected Torch Runner is a Corrections professional, and not sworn, the individual must have the authority to enforce agency regulations, which could result in disciplinary action against those incarcerated, and perform other functions as required by a corrections professional. Retired is defined as an individual who has completed their law enforcement / corrections career in good standing (minimum of 10 years of combined service). o Only one Torch Runner per established Torch Run Program is eligible to be selected for the Final Leg o Due to the nature of this event, the candidate must be firmly committed to participating in this event at the time of their selection. The candidate must be able to be away from his/her job for the entire duration of the Final Leg o The candidate must be ready, willing, and able to: 1. represent their Torch Run Program in a very positive manner 2. proudly represent law enforcement and the Torch Run as a symbol of our deep commitment to the athletes of Special Olympics; and 3. help fulfill the mission of the Final Leg — to create awareness and excitement for the World Summer Games and Special Olympics o The candidate must possess a passport for travel to Chile valid at least six months beyond the last day of intended travel (valid through April 2028) o The candidate must possess the ability to function as part of a team. The candidate is expected to establish and maintain a high level of cooperation with all other team members and supporters o The candidate must have a working personal email address and be responsive to e-mail communications. Email and a dedicated blog site will be the primary methods to provide updated event information o The candidate must be able to maintain a running pace of 10 minutes per mile for up to three miles (10 minutes per 1.6 km, for 5 km) at a time and can run multiple intervals (Torch Runs) totaling more than 10-plus miles (16 km-plus) during the course of a day o The candidate must possess the stamina to tolerate long days consisting of travel, running, and special event functions o The candidate should be able to tolerate hot and cold weather that is common in the various regions of Chile at this time of year o The candidate needs to be able to speak in front of groups at various functions and ceremonies about Special Olympics and the Law Enforcement Torch Run o If an athlete is selected from your program to be on the Final Leg team, your selected runner must agree to travel to and from Chile with the athlete, however they will not be roommates during the Final Leg o The candidate will be required (at a later date) to provide proper insurance and medical information in order to participate in the Final Leg