Annual Special Olympics Torch Run held in Petawawa

The Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics ended with loud cheers as participants made their way through a tunnel of Our Lady of Sorrows School students in Petawawa.

The kids excitedly pushed their way forward and greeted the police services members and torch-bearing Special Olympians with as many high fives and hugs as possible.

This annual fundraiser is always eagerly anticipated, and it is the largest source of revenue for the organization. With the help of this event, the area has seen a tremendous growth and many successes in providing sports for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Torch Runs occur all across the province. On June 5, Torch Runs were held in Pembroke, Barry’s Bay and Petawawa. In this municipality, the run started at the Royal Canadian Legion and ended at the school.

About $7,000 was raised, with Our Lady of Sorrows contributing $890 from a BBQ, said Coach and Volunteer Sharon Brehm. More money was dropped off during the Torch Run.

“All the money raised today stays here for our athletes,” said Brehm. “It really is good.”

In Ontario, Torch Runs bring in a million dollars, confirmed Bill Dickson, Torch Run Zone Coordinator.

“This year should be no exception,” he said. “And the Ottawa Valley is very giving and support what Special Olympics is all about.”

It can be expensive getting Special Olympians to their events, competitions, and activities, so the Torch Run is very important.

Special Olympians Ann-Marie Moore and Theresa Bakker raised $2,300 and $1,300 respectively. “I’m a giver and I always go out,” said Bakker. “There and those who want to give and those that don’t want to, but that is o.k.,” said Bakker.

The involvement of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Ottawa Police Service, Provincial Corrections, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and other law enforcement partners with Special Olympics has spanned the past 50 years, with Ontario’s involvement spanning 31 years.

“Most of us can’t imagine not doing it,” said Dickson, adding that it is more than just collecting money.

“We are out here with the athletes and spending time getting to know them and them getting to know us,” he added.

Special Olympics is dedicated to enriching the lives of Canadians with an intellectual disability through sport. Regardless of the sport an individual chooses to get involved in, it gives them the chance to get out, get social, stay healthy, demonstrate courage and resiliency, and participate in competitions.

“I’ve seen some individuals who were non-communicative and didn’t really have a social existence and after they got involved with Special Olympics, they now have friends and they are out and doing things and become much more active,” said Dickson.

He strongly believes in the importance of getting the community together and helping each other accomplish goals.

“The community as a whole has the responsibility to look after all the members of that community and to be accessible to all,” said Dickson. “We are all just one big happy family.”

For more information on the Torch Run, please visit www.torchrunontario.com and for more information on Special Olympics Pembroke, please visit pembroke.specialolympicsontario.ca.