Local police, Special Olympians, friends and family took part in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics this week.
Police from Saugeen Shores, Hanover, West Grey, Owen Sound and OPP took part in the event Wednesday.
Saugeen Shores Police Constable John Martin, says the torch run traveled to a number of locations in Grey Bruce.
It started in Saugeen Shores, where a 2 kilometre run was held, says Martin, adding, “We then hopped in some vehicles and went to Hanover. We did about a kilometre there, and then we headed to West Grey, in Durham. We did another kilometre there, and finished in Owen Sound where we ended up at the high school (OSDSS).”
Martin notes they also ran up the steep West Hill from the Owen Sound Police station to OSDSS. “We had a few people who needed a little help—- the Owen Sound Police mascot,” says Martin with a chuckle, adding, “It was really, really cool. We ran up that hill and met the students at the front there,” Martin says, “We did a lap around the track up there and had a big finish with a barbecue and celebrating all the athletes with the students.”
He says money raised supports Special Olympics Ontario. “We did collect donations along the way, people would purchase t-shirts or register to run and that money would all be given to Special Olympics Ontario.” He notes the event was also supported by local businesses including Tim Hortons which provided coffee and doughnuts to kick off the day.
Law Enforcement Torch Runs are held in communities all over the country, and internationally in support of Special Olympics. The Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run supports Special Olympics Ontario programs. Funds raised help pay for transportation to games, meals, staff, volunteer and athlete training and more. The Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run website says there are more than 26,000 registered Special Olympics athletes in Ontario.
A fundraising total has not yet been announced.
Martin says, “It was a really inspiring event and then to have the Special Olympians come out and run with us, and just be excited about everything, it’s fantastic.”
#SpecialOlympicsTorchRun. A great day celebrating local Special Olympians. Excellent partnerships @SSPSofficial @ChiefKnoll @WestGreyPolice @OPP_WR @OSDSS_Official @SOOntario & lots of smiles made for a wonderful Torch Run. @ChiefAmbroseOSP @JFluneyOSPS @Insp_DBishop @OSPApres pic.twitter.com/VNUjAphJft
— OwenSoundPolice (@OwenSoundPolice) June 14, 2023
HPS is proudly participating with our policing partners, community members, and our Special Olympians for the annual Torch Run happening today. Special thank you to our Police Service Coordinators for their work with organizing & John & Cheryl Grant for the snacks & refreshments. pic.twitter.com/frbkufca79
— Christopher Knoll (@ChiefKnoll) June 14, 2023
#SpecialOlympicsTorchRun. A great day celebrating local Special Olympians. Excellent partnerships @SSPSofficial @ChiefKnoll @WestGreyPolice @OPP_WR @OSDSS_Official @SOOntario & lots of smiles made for a wonderful Torch Run. @ChiefAmbroseOSP @JFluneyOSPS @Insp_DBishop @OSPApres pic.twitter.com/VNUjAphJft
— OwenSoundPolice (@OwenSoundPolice) June 14, 2023