A Western Illinois University alumna and Illinois State Police master sergeant has been chosen to help carry the Flame of Hope on the final leg of the Guarding of the Flame Law Enforcement Torch Run through Berlin and Brandenburg, Germany.
The event is part of the 2023 Special Olympics World Games in June.
Amber Dunn, of Galesburg, Illinois, received her bachelor’s degree in management from WIU in 2006 and her master’s degree in law enforcement and justice administration in 2009, according to a WIU news release. She has worked for the Illinois State Police since 2010.
The Flame of Hope Law Enforcement Torch Run will end in Berlin on Saturday, June 17, as part of the Special Olympics World Games opening ceremony. Internationally, only 100 law enforcement officers were selected for the team.
“I am very blessed and grateful to have been selected for this incredible opportunity,” Ms. Dunn said in the release. “We as police officers have an internal drive to help and take care of our communities and be involved as much as we can. Law enforcement has a special connection to Special Olympics with the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR). This is the biggest fundraising mechanism for Special Olympics here in Illinois and internationally.”
Ms. Dunn stressed that while officers help with fundraising efforts, it’s “not who we are.” Instead, “We are the person cheering on our athletes from the sidelines, handing them their medals after competition, taking selfies (every chance we get) and just supporting a community that has not always been supported or included,” she said.
“All it takes is one high five, smile or hug from an athlete and you will understand how connected you become immediately. I have been participating with Special Olympics LETR events for over 12 years now,” she said. “To be provided an opportunity to do what I love and share the mission of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics with other athletes and officers from around the world while carrying the Flame of Hope is truly humbling.”
The World Games, which run from June 17-25, will include 7,000 athletes from across the globe, representing 190 delegations in 26 sports, according to the release.
Ms. Dunn also recently participated in the Special Olympics Spring Games in Monmouth, Illinois. The event determines which athletes advance to the state competition in Bloomington in June, the release states.
A fundraising campaign for Dunn’s international trip is ongoing and may be accessed here.
