It was an early start to the day on May 10th as officers from Saugeen Shores, Hanover, West Grey, Owen Sound and OPP joined local Special Olympic Athletes and volunteers at Tim Horton’s in Southampton (Saugeen Shores) at 7:30 a.m. to light the torch and begin the annual Special Olympics Torch Run.
From Tim Horton’s, it was on to the Coliseum where athletes boarded the bus to continue the run in Hanover, Durham and Chatsworth. “The event will conclude with a final run in Owen Sound and then a BBQ at the high school,” said volunteer and coach, Cheryl Smethurst. “It’s a full day but the athletes love it.”
Special Olympics Canada is dedicated to enriching the lives of Canadians with an intellectual disability through sport and the Law Enforcement Torch Run is a global fundraising and awareness movement by law enforcement personnel dedicated to helping Special Olympics athletes experience acceptance and achievement through sport.
All the funds raised through the torch run go to support Special Olympics Ontario programs, including travelling to events, accommodations, meals, staff support, and athlete training.
Special Olympics was founded upon one simple notion: sport has an incredible capacity to transform lives, change attitudes and make communities stronger.
