On Thursday, June 13, the Owen Sound Police Service will be hosting the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run in support of Special Olympics Ontario. OSPS members, local Special Olympic Athletes, along with Saugeen Shores Police, Hanover Police, West Grey Police, and the OPP, will be running 1-kilometre routes across Grey and Bruce counties in Port Elgin, Hanover, and Durham, with a stop in Chatsworth. The event will culminate with a final run in Owen Sound and a BBQ at Victoria Park, next to the Julie McArthur Regional Recreation Centre.

The Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) is the largest public awareness and grass-roots fundraiser for Special Olympics.  Known honourably as Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members and Special Olympic Athletes carry the “Flame of Hope”, symbolizing courage, celebrating diversity, and championing acceptance, uniting communities around the globe.

Over the years the Torch Run has evolved and now encompasses a variety of innovative fundraising platforms including Polar Plunges, Tip-A-Cops, NHL Alumni Games, Torch Rides, Endurance Series and more. Since its inception, the LETR has raised more than $46M and changed millions of attitudes.

All funds raised through Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run events are directed into program support that directly affect all community Special Olympics Ontario (SOO) programs.  Funds are put into community programs and help pay for various expenses including games travel, accommodations, meals, staff support, volunteer and athlete training. At SOO, small programs, large programs, big cities and small communities are treated with the same level of importance.  The development of Special Olympics Ontario is directly related to the success of the Torch Run. By donating through the QR code below, your funds will directly support our local SOO programs.

With the endorsement of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, the first Law Enforcement Torch Run in Canada was held in 1987 The success and support of the Law Enforcement Torch Run over the years has been phenomenal. Since the Torch Run began its partnership with Special Olympics Ontario, the number of registered athletes has grown from under 4,000 to greater than 23,000 athletes today.

Watch and cheer for the local Law Enforcement Torch Run travelling through Grey Bruce at the following times on June 13:

• 7:45 – 8:45 a.m. in Port Elgin
• 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. in Hanover
• 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. in Durham
• 11:45 – 12 p.m. in Chatsworth
• 12:15 – 1:15 p.m. in Owen Sound