Torch Run Newsletter                                                 March 2016
In This Issue
TORCH RUNNER PROFILE

Carrie Ingram 
Final Leg Coordinator 
2016 Provincial Spring Games 




How long have you been involved in the Torch Run?

I began my Law Enforcement Torch Run journey in 1997, first as a participant, then as a local co-coordinator for the city of Guelph and finally as the Zone 5 co-ordinator, a role I have held for the last 15 years.

In the almost 20 years I have been active with LETR, besides the usual BBQ's, car washes, and t-shirt sales, I have hosted annual Mall Tolls, OHL Big Ticket nights, and 'pass the bucket nights'. In addition, I have represented LETR at the annual Wellington County Track and Field Day since its inception, and attended many local 4 Corners events, torch runs, and various fund raisers in other zones, both as a volunteer and a participant. 

What other events have you organized/participated in?

I have sold thousands of CSC Hero Bears and was recently involved in a very successful Polar Bear Plunge and am hosting an upcoming Mud Run benefiting the Spring Games. I have attended 3 International LETR Conferences and am currently on the Games Organizing Committee and Opening and Closing Ceremony committee for the 2016 Games and specifically, organizing the LETR Final Leg.  There will be 1200+ athletes, coaches, managers, and Law Enforcement personnel involved in the Games in various capacities. And since it is the largest Spring Games in history, we are hoping to mirror that, with the largest number of Law Enforcement runners to grace our city in the Final Leg. There are 4 Law Enforcement Agencies involved in the planning of the Final Leg, and all come with varied experiences, making for fantastic input from everyone and a truly joint venture.

When is the Final Leg?

The Final Leg will take place on May 26, forming up around 18:00 hours, at the University of Guelph Johnston Green. All LETR Reps are invited to come early in the day and catch some of the 6 sporting events that are starting that morning. The run itself is expected to be an 'easy' downhill run ending at the Sleaman Centre, home of the Guelph Storm. After the Opening ceremony, officers will be shuttled back to the residences where we will be treated to a performance from the band Blown Cover, at the Griffs Sports Lounge. There will be lots of food, hospitality, and fun to be had!

The Games will be hosted May 26- May 28, ending with the Closing Ceremonies at Sleaman Centre. LETR Reps are invited to stay for the 3 days if they wish, attend events, present medals, and interact with the athletes.

We look forward to seeing you in Guelph on May 26, 2016!

Final Leg Registration opens: April 1, 2016.
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 WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING
Cst. Adam Belanger participates in 2016 National Winter Games Final Leg

Constable Adam Belanger from the Bruce Peninsula OPP Detachment was selected to represent Ontario at the 2016 National Final Leg in Cornerbrook, Newfoundland from: February 26th - March 1st.

The Final Leg in Newfoundland & Labrador proved to be another opportunity to use the Flame of Hope to spread the wonderful message of Special Olympics, and demonstrated the incredible passion and devotion that Law Enforcement Officers have for Special Olympics.


The Final Leg began in the provincial capital of St. Johns and adventured across the province through many communities who welcomed the runners with open-arms in true Newfoundlander hospitality!  Cst. Belanger was honoured to be selected to participate in this amazing event and called it "truly life changing" and looks forward to our provincial Spring Games in Guelph to share his experiences with all Torch Runners back home.



Chief Evans and members of Peel Regional Police participate in Team Ontario Send Off 
 

On February 29th, Chief Jennifer Evans and members of the Peel Regional Police Torch Run Committee attended a Team Ontario send-off at Pearson International Airport to wish our beloved athletes well on their journey to Cornerbrook, Newfoundland.  The positive vibes paid off, as Team Ontario raked in over 200 medals at the Games:



Congratulations Team Ontario!
OPP issue fundraising challenge to Emergency Services to help Special Olympics

Courtesy of Pembroke Daily Observer

The Pembroke detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police is issuing a challenge to other emergency responders in supporting the Pembroke and Area Special Olympics.

Constable Jack Gibs on, who is the president of Branch 10 North, Ontario Provincial Police Association (OPPA), recently presented a cheque for $200 to Jeff Shand and Brian Dinwoodie, representing the Pembroke and Area Special Olympics, and then challenged all Ottawa Valley Emergency Response Units, associations and unions to meet or beat the donation.
 


The organizations which received challenges are Deep River's police and fire department, the Laurentian Hills Fire Department, the Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (formally AECL) Security and Fire Department, the Renfrew County Paramedic Service, Garrison Petawawa Military Police, Garrison Petawawa Fire, the Town of Petawawa Fire Department, the Pembroke Fire Department and the Laurentian Valley Fire Department.

Police forces have had a long history of supporting the Special Olympics through the annual Law Enforcement Special Olympics Torch Run, which has become an annual tradition in various parts of Renfrew County.

A number of charity hockey games with the local police hockey team playing the NHL Alumni team also raised funds for the cause.

The Pembroke and Area Special Olympics serves athletes from Deep River down through Petawawa, Pembroke, Whitewater Region and Laurentian Valley Township.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Torch Run T-Shirts Now Available!


Please send dates/locations for your 2016 Community Torch Runs to the Torch Run Manager so we can add the Run to the website!

Torch Run Hats Also Available

Hats are sold for $15 each or available as a combo (shirt+hat) for $30. Contact the Torch Run Manager if you would like to sell some hats at your Service/Agency.


ONLY 1 POLAR PLUNGE REMAINING!
BRR-ING IT ON!

In 2015 we were Freezin' for a Reason and raised $270,000 for Special Olympics.  Our goal was to beat that total in 2016!  Register/Donate now for the Thunder Bay Plunge and help us reach our goal.  Last year, Thunder Bay had 316 Plungers and raised $78,500.

(Results from Owen Sound and North Bay not yet known)



After 8 Plunges we have $250,000 in the bank!  Thank you to all of our dedicated plungers, volunteers and donors for making our Plunges a tremendous success.  Let's show our support to our final plunge and push that thermometer over the top!

#freezinforareason

2 Endurance Series Events in May


MUDDY GRAPE (GUELPH)
MAY 7, 2016

SPECIAL OFFER: FREE registration if you register before April 15th.  Use the coupon code: LETRNEWS

Cox Creek Cellars serves as the backdrop to Guelph's first annual Muddy Grape Endurance Run! All new for 2016, The Muddy Grape will set the stage as Guelph's premier endurance run as participants take on an obstacle course designed to challenge all fitness levels while supporting The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Ontario. Influenced by vintage military training courses, The Muddy Grape will feature multiple obstacles that will test each participant's physical strength, mental toughness and their will power all while having fun for a great cause! Open to men and women, individuals or teams, we invite anyone who thinks they have what it takes to escape the Muddy Grape Run!

For those participants with that burning desire for competition and want an extra challenge, you can sign up in the timed/competitive category to see how you measure up against some of the seasoned obstacle course competitors! Please see the Registration Section for more details!

REGISTER HERE



RACE FOR PLUNKETT (NEWMARKET)
May 25, 2016

York Regional Police will be hosting the 9th annual Rob Plunkett Memorial Torch Run in support of Special Olympics Ontario at the Riverwalk Commons (Doug Duncan Dr) Town of Newmarket.

This event includes a 5km walk/run and a 10km run along the beautiful Tom Taylor Trail to show their support for Special Olympics Ontario.

The event is hosted to raise awareness and funds for the athletes and families of Special Olympics Ontario. This non-profit organization helps provide quality sports and training programs for children, youth and adults with an intellectual disability that are only possible through the generous donations that are raised at events such as the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

IACP Annual Photo Contest 
Submit your photos now! 


CATEGORIES
Get creative and show us what great events you have going on in your LETR Program. Photos can be from any Torch Run® or Special Olympics event including Tip-A-Cop®, Polar Plunge®, T-Shirt sales, Over the Edge, Torch Run®, Summer Games and the like. Photos must represent one of the following five categories to be eligible for consideration.

Group: Showing law enforcement, athletes, or Torch Run® participants of a Torch Run® event as a group.

Police Officer & Athlete: Depicting law enforcement in support of the Special Olympics athletes themselves or law enforcement personnel in interaction with athlete(s).

Guardians of the Flame®: Portraying law enforcement as the Guardians of the Flame of Hope™ - law enforcement personnel carrying the torch, interacting with communities, LETR event participation.

Spirit: Photos that capture the spirit of the Torch Run® in a unique way.

Professional: Photographs taken by an individual of a Torch Run® event where the photographer receives compensation or payment.

Please submit your photos to the Torch Run Manager

3rd Place Group Award: 2013 International Conference (Orlando, Florida)

Special Olympic Athlete Stephen Graham accepts a cheque on behalf of the 2012 OPP Recruit class fundraising initiatives at OPC
 SAVE THE DATE
2016 Guelph Final Leg - Special Olympics Ontario Spring Games
May 26th, 2016
Host Hotel: Guelph University Residence
Opening Ceremonies: Sleeman Centre 

Registration opens April 1, 2016


Cops n Cowboys
June 16, 2016
Lonestar Texas Grill locations across the Province
Please contact S/Sgt Julie Provis to get involved 


World's Largest Truck Convoy
Powerade Centre, Brampton: September 10, 2016
Paris Fairgrounds, Paris: September 17, 2016
*Marked vehicles wanted for both Convoy's
truckconvoy.ca  
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