TORCH RUNNER PROFILE
Melanie Moffatt
York Regional Police
Race for Plunkett Event Organizer
Where did the idea for 'Race for Plunkett' come from? The 2nd Annual 'Race for Plunkett' just completed, tell us about the event.
The idea came as a result of a lessening interest in YRP's Annual Torch Run - a quick survey showed that members didn't understand the purpose of Torch Run.
Many members opted out because if they were "real runners" the run was too slow, and if they were walkers, the run was too fast. As a result the "Race for Plunkett" was born allowing members to personalize their participation with a 5k walk or run or a 10k run for the more competitive.
The event was opened up to the community to showcase the involvement police have with Special Olympics.
Special Olympic Athletes were invited to attend where they were the highlight. They were given an option to participate and walk/run alongside police and all participants.
Corporate sponsors were invited to attend the opening ceremonies where athletes carried the Flame of Hope.
Sponsors and participants were able to meet the athletes and be part of the day hopefully learning about the reasons for Torch Run.
Most of the positive feedback from participants has been:
- Seeing the athletes carry the torch
- Having the event on a week night (not a weekend)
- Route on a pedestrian park trail (not the road)
- Being able to run/walk at their own pace and not have to run/walk in a pack
An event of this magnitude takes many volunteers to be successful. How many people sat on the Committee and what were the key roles?
There were 6 people who sat on the committee.
Their key roles were:
1. Race Registration
2. Opening ceremony logistics
3. Route logistics
4. Volunteers/auxiliary
5. Food
6. Sponsorship
Under each of these roles, many more volunteers assisted on race day. In total we had about 50 volunteers.
Any new and exciting ideas for 2017?
Nothing new....yet!
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Guelph Final Leg a Success!
The Guelph Police Service proudly hosted the 2016 Special Olympics Ontario Provincial Spring Games from May 26-28, 2016. In total, over 900 athletes, coaches and team delegates participated in the Games.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run was a huge success with over 220 Officers running the
Flame of Hope
into the Opening Ceremonies to officially open the Games! Thank you to Carrie Gouthro and her dedicated team of volunteers who organized an incredible Final Leg!
At Closing Ceremonies, the "torch" was officially passed to the Peel Regional Police who will host the 2017 Special Olympics Ontario Provincial Summer Games in Peel Region.
Photos from the Final Leg and Games can be found
HERE.
Thank you to Cst. Jeff Cross from the NIagara Regional Police for the awesome photos!
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Durham Regional Police Host School Championships
The Durham Regional Police partnered with Special Olympics Ontario and hosted the 2016 Provincial School Championships from June 1-3, 2016 at UOIT/Durham College Campus. The School Championship program uniquely provides competition opportunities, with the opportunity for advancement to students aged 13-21 with an intellectual disability in the sports of track & field, bocce, soccer, and basketball.
In total, 48 regional qualifiers took place across Ontario leading into the Provincial Championships in Durham. Local Law Enforcement participated in 95% of those events and remain the highlight of the athletes experiences!
The Niagara Regional Police Service will host the 2017 School Championships.
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Over 100 Community Torch Runs in the Books!
Thank you to all Services and Agencies who organized and/or participated in a Community Torch Run this Spring/Summer. In total, over 100 Runs were completed and $150,000 raised for Special Olympics. Local Special Olympic Athletes look forward to the Torch Run every year for their chance to Run with local Law Enforcement heroes. Below is some media from Runs across the Province:
Sudbury.com-Apr 26, 2016
North Bay Now - Apr 27, 2016
Timmins Today-May 2, 2016
CTV News Kitchener-May 25, 2016
CBC.ca-May 25, 2016
Peterborough Examiner-Jun 2, 2016
Kincardine News-Jun 7, 2016
Chatham Daily News-Jun 10, 2016
www.brantnews.com-Jun 15, 2016
BlackburnNews.com-Jun 15, 2016
Quinte News-Jun 20, 2016
The Barrie Examiner-Jun 22, 2016
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Guardians Endurance Series Update
3 Events Complete - $176,500 Raised!
MUDDY GRAPE - 310 Participants, $33,500 Raised
PHOTOS HERE
RACE FOR PLUNKETT - 350 Participants, $35,000 Raised
CONQUER THE FORT - 1,300 Participants, $107,000 Raised
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WINDSOR POLICE PRODUCE INSPIRATIONAL VIDEO
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Celine's Story
Watch this incredibly inspiring video from Windsor chronicling a Special Olympic Ontario Athletes journey, and her involvement with the Law Enforcement Torch Run. Thank you to the Windsor Police Service for sharing this amazing video.
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TORCH RIDE FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS
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You can still register/donate for one of 6 rides left this summer in: Cornwall, Chatham-Kent, Greater Sudbury, Toronto, Essex County, Peel/Dufferin. So go fire up that bike and hit the open road with us on one of our upcoming rides!
SHIRT NOW - 2 GREAT OPTIONS!
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Hell in the Harbour
August 6, 2016
Bayfront Park, Hamilton
Cops n Rodders Classic Car Show
August 7, 2016
Bayfront Park, Hamilton
2nd Annual Lights & Sirens Charity Co-Ed 3 Pitch Tournament
August 13, 2016
Win-Del Park
World's Largest Truck Convoy
Powerade Centre, Brampton:
September 10, 2016
Paris Fairgrounds, Paris:
September 17, 2016
*Marked vehicles wanted for both Convoy's
Conquer the Ridge Mud Run
September 17, 2016
Laurentian Ski Hill, North Bay
Guardians Half Marathon
October 16, 2016
OPP General Headquarters, Orillia
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