Police leading Torch Run in Orillia this weekend to help Special Olympics Ontario
After a challenging period for law enforcement in this country, police are gathering in the sunshine city this weekend to help a cause near and dear to their hearts.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run is set to take place on Sunday. Police from across the province will be participating, along with the general public, to help bring in critical funds for Special Olympics Ontario.
"It can be a tough profession. Obviously, over the last few weeks, we've seen that," says Derek Spence, a retired police officer who is chairing this year's run. "But being involved with these athletes on a weekend like this to celebrate with them is something that balances the officers out and gives them something to look forward to, and they just love the interaction with the athletes."
In honour of the run's 35th anniversary, this year's event is turning into a weekend full of activities. It began Friday with a celebration gala. It will continue on Saturday, where Special Olympians will be matched with police in games of bocce ball and basketball before culminating with the run on Sunday.
"They care because they see athletes like myself and all around the world to do what they love and smile and compete and get the enjoyment out of it," says Stephen Graham, a Special Olympic athlete of more than 20 years.
The torch run is a global event that was first brought to Canada by Lorne White back in 1987. The year prior, White had seen its success while attending a conference of chiefs of police from across the world in the United States. In an effort to help improve relations with the community, White sought and was granted approval to bring it north of the border.
"One thing with being involved with Special Olympics is the athletes absolutely love us," says White. "Every time we've ever gone into a games, their smiles and their reception and the glow on their faces, law enforcement just perks right up."
Since its inaugural run, the event has brought in 40 million dollars for Special Olympics Ontario. OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique is a frequent participant, saying the athletes have taught him the importance of giving back to the community.
"Everybody needs somebody to look up to, everybody needs somebody to aspire towards who sets an example, and for police officers, those are special Olympians," says Carrique. "These are brave athletes that surpass all challenges that are put before them; they do it with a positive attitude, and it's a way for us to be inspired while giving back and providing them with opportunities that we can help out with, which is a fantastic thing to do."
For more information on the run and to find out how to participate, click here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Young people 'tortured' if stolen vehicle operations fail, Montreal police tell MPs
One day after a Montreal police officer fired gunshots at a suspect in a stolen vehicle, senior officers were telling parliamentarians that organized crime groups are recruiting people as young as 15 in the city to steal cars so that they can be shipped overseas.
'It was joy': Trapped B.C. orca calf eats seal meat, putting rescue on hold
A rescue operation for an orca calf trapped in a remote tidal lagoon off Vancouver Island has been put on hold after it started eating seal meat thrown in the water for what is believed to be the first time.
Man sets self on fire outside New York court where Trump trial underway
A man set himself on fire on Friday outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump's historic hush-money trial was taking place as jury selection wrapped up, but officials said he did not appear to have been targeting Trump.
Sask. father found guilty of withholding daughter to prevent her from getting COVID-19 vaccine
Michael Gordon Jackson, a Saskatchewan man accused of abducting his daughter to prevent her from getting a COVID-19 vaccine, has been found guilty for contravention of a custody order.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
B.C. judge orders shared dog custody for exes who both 'clearly love Stella'
In a first-of-its-kind ruling, a B.C. judge has awarded a former couple joint custody of their dog.
Saskatoon police to search landfill for remains of woman missing since 2020
Saskatoon police say they will begin searching the city’s landfill for the remains of Mackenzie Lee Trottier, who has been missing for more than three years.
Shivering for health: The myths and truths of ice baths explained
In a climate of social media-endorsed wellness rituals, plunging into cold water has promised to aid muscle recovery, enhance mental health and support immune system function. But the evidence of such benefits sits on thin ice, according to researchers.