The Owen Sound Police Service is once again hosting the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run today in support of Special Olympics Ontario.
Members of the Owen Sound, Saugeen Shores, Hanover and West Grey police services, Ontario Provincial Police and local Special Olympics athletes will be walking and running routes across Grey and Bruce counties.
They will cover ground in Port Elgin, Kincardine, Hanover and Durham. The event will culminate with a final run in Owen Sound and a barbecue at Owen Sound District Secondary School.
“The Law Enforcement Torch Run is one of the most meaningful events we take part in each year,” says Owen Sound Police Chief Craig Ambrose. “It brings together our police services, communities and Special Olympics athletes in a shared celebration of inclusion, perseverance and the power of sport. We’re proud to support Special Olympics Ontario and help shine a light on the incredible accomplishments of these athletes.”
The Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest public awareness and grassroots fundraiser for the Special Olympics. Known honourably as Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the Flame of Hope, symbolizing courage, celebrating diversity and championing acceptance while uniting communities around the globe.
With the endorsement of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, the first Law Enforcement Torch Run in Canada was held in 1987. Since the Torch Run began its partnership with Special Olympics Ontario, the number of registered athletes has grown from fewer than 4,000 to more than 23,000 today.
The run has already passed through Port Elgin, Kincardine and Hanover. Durham’s run will start at 11 a.m. and Owen Sound’s will begin at 12:25 p.m.