Torch run raises thousands for Special Olympics Ontario

Around 200 participated in the Guardians Run for Special Olympics at OPP Headquarters in Orillia Sunday morning, which aimed to raise $40,000 in support of Special Olympics Ontario.

The clear warm weather made for perfect conditions as Special Olympics athletes, OPP officers and other supporters took part in the cause, with the option to run or walk a five-kilometre or ten-kilometre route.

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“Today is about awareness raising. Awareness of our athletes and inclusion,” said Derek Spence from Special Olympics Ontario. “To see not only members of law enforcement, but members of running community, members of the Orillia and area community, all taking part in this is just incredible. It just makes it that much more unique and special.”

The Guardians Run is part of the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR), which is the OPP’s biggest fundraising event for Special Olympics Ontario and has raised more than $50 million since its inception in 1987.

Sunday morning’s run officially began with a formal passing of the ‘torch’ from OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique to Stephen Graham, a former Special Olympics Ontario Male Athlete of the Year. The funds raised will assist the LETR in supporting Special Olympics athletes for expenses such as training, travel, accommodations and more.

“It’s amazing. It’s heartful. Because of the support from everybody we wouldn’t be who we are today,” said Graham, prior to running the ten-kilometre route. The Orillia native also serves as an ambassador for the LETR.

“These are incredible individuals,” said Carrique. “If we can help in any single way with giving them an opportunity to do what they love and allow them to be the best that they can be, then that's a good opportunity that we should all embrace.”

25 athletes from Ontario will be representing Canada at the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Italy.