Buffalo, NY – Trooper Michael O’Bryan of the New York State Police has been selected to represent Special Olympics New York Law Enforcement Torch Run in the 2019 Special Olympics World Games Final Leg in Abu Dhabi. Trooper O’Bryan will be one of 83 law enforcement officers from 23 countries who will be carrying the Flame of Hope throughout the United Arab Emirates to light the cauldron at the opening ceremonies of the 2019 World Summer Games on March 14.

Today, February 27th, a press conference was held at Lawley’s headquarters in Buffalo to showcase O’Bryan’s mission of spreading awareness of the Special Olympics with help from his friends at Lawley. “I am so happy to support this amazing cause. In addition, I will be matching dollar for dollar what we raise in contributions for the Torch Run. We are looking to beat $10,000 at our donor event tonight at the Blue Bull.”

The 2019 Special Olympics World Summer Games will take place from March 14-21 in 11 venues throughout UAE’s capital, Abu Dhabi. More than 7,000 Special Olympic Athletes from around the world will compete in 24 summer sports.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is the largest grassroots fundraising and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics in the world. In addition to carrying the Torch or the “Flame of Hope” into their local and state Special Olympic games, law enforcement officials organize and conduct additional fundraising initiatives such as Polar Plunges, merchandise sales, and other events. In 2018, more than $58 million was raised internationally through LETR events with more than $2 million coming from New York.

Trooper O’Bryan has been an active member of the Law Enforcement Torch Run since November 2006. He is one of the founding members of the Western New York Polar Plunge, an event where he still serves as a committee member and is continuously a top fundraiser for the event. Trooper O’Bryan has been active in other fundraising events that include Law and Orders, Over the Edge, Tip a Cop events, and more!

Lawley Insurance is a premier partner of the Western Region Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run. “Mike (O’Bryan) and I have been friends for years. I’m thrilled that he’s been chosen to represent Special Olympics New York Law Enforcement Torch Run, where he will carry the Flame of Hope for 8 miles a day for 14 days. What an honor to be selected as one of only 83 officers worldwide. We are proud to support Special Olympics New York, the largest state chapter, and the thousands of athletes who compete”, said John Berger, Partner, Lawley Benefits Group.

Lawley is a privately-owned, independent regional insurance firm specializing in property, casualty, personal insurance, employee benefits, and risk management consulting. Lawley is ranked 51st in the list of the 100 Largest Insurance Brokers in the U.S., according to Business Insurance magazine. For more than 60 years, Lawley’s team of more than 400 associates have developed customized property, casualty, surety and employee benefits insurance programs for businesses and municipalities of all sizes along with personalized protection for individuals and their families.
Headquartered in Buffalo, NY, Lawley has branch offices across New York in Amherst, Batavia, Dunkirk, Jamestown, Mahopac, Plainview, Purchase and Rochester along with Darien, Connecticut and Florham Park, New Jersey. To find out more, visit lawleyinsurance.com.

Since 1987, law enforcement officers from around the world have participated in the Final Leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run prior to the Special Olympics World Summer and Winter Games. The tradition of the Final Leg Torch Run is for law enforcement officers representing their country, state and Torch Run Program, to act as “Guardians of the Flame” and carry the Special Olympics Torch and “Flame of Hope” to the Opening Ceremonies of the Special Olympics World Games.

“LETR is instrumental in raising awareness and dedicating funds to support Special Olympics and the 68,000 athletes we serve across New York State,” said Stacey Hengsterman, President & CEO of Special Olympics New York. “Trooper O’Bryan exemplifies our partnership with law enforcement. We are honored and deeply proud to have him as our representative at World Games.”

The Olympic flame symbolizes the light of spirit, knowledge and life. With identical power and majesty, the Special Olympics “Flame of Hope,” in the entrusted care of the law enforcement community, symbolizes the courage and celebration of diversity that the Special Olympics movement represents.

Special Olympics New York is the largest state chapter in the country, serving nearly 68,000 athletes across New York with year-round sports training, athletic competition, and health screenings. The organization also partners with nearly 150 schools statewide to offer unified sports. All Special Olympics New York programs are offered at no cost to athletes, their families or caregivers.