LBPD Commander Will Carry Torch At 2025 Special Olympics In Italy

LONG BEACH, CA — Long Beach Police Department Commander Ryan LeBaron will carry the Olympic Torch in the final leg at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy.

Le Baron will represent Special Olympics Southern California by carrying the Special Olympics Flame of Hope, which will be lit in Athens, Greece and travel across Italy to arrive at the Opening Ceremony.

"His continued efforts to foster relationships between law enforcement and the Special Olympic community is a true testament to who he is as a leader in our department," LBPD said on Facebook.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run began in 1981 and is an international fundraising and public awareness campaign led by law enforcement personnel around the world. As a Torch Runner, LeBaron will promote the message of inclusion, running alongside fellow officers and Special Olympics athletes.

More than 100,000 officers participate in the fundraiser annually and over $1 billion has been raised for Special Olympics programs worldwide.

"There is no better program than Special Olympics to join law enforcement with the community," Lebaron said. "The power of sports does not only bring unity across neighborhood and societal boundaries, but it also allows law enforcement professionals to be seen as members of the community and demonstrate their shared values. I appreciate how Special Olympics portrays the human element of law enforcement, as officers and professional staff raise awareness and funds for our amazing athletes who deserve the best we can offer."