Torch Run Newsletter                                            January 2017
Sgt. Mark McGugan Named Director-Elect

From: Chief Al Frederick, Chair OACP Torch Run Committee

On behalf of the Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run OACP Executive Committee I am happy to announce that Sgt. Mark McGugan from the London Police Service has been named Director-Elect of the Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run effective January 28, 2017. Mark will work closely and be mentored by current Torch Run Director S/Sgt. Kevin MacBean (Peel Regional Police) for a 6-month period at which time Mark will officially become the Torch Run Director on: June 11, 2017 for a 3 year term.

Mark is a truly dedicated and passionate member of the Law Enforcement Torch Run and under his leadership the London Police Torch Run Committee has excelled and achieved new heights over the past few years. In the role of Director, Mark will work closely with Special Olympics Ontario and the OLETR Operations Committee to ensure the continued success of one of the best Torch Run programs in the World! As the Torch Run enters its 30th Anniversary in 2017, we are excited for what's ahead, while honouring the achievements of many officers who have contributed to this gre at cause since 1987.

Mark has been an active volunteer with the Law Enforcement Torch Run for over 27 years and has held many leadership positions within the organization such as: Area Coordinator (5 Years), London Police Coordinator (21 years), Zone Coordinator (12 Years) and Operations Committee Member (3 Years). In addition, Mark has also sat on the Provincial Workshop Committee and was the Chair, 2010 National Summer Games Final Leg Committee.

Mark has also been recognized with the following Torch Run/Special Olympic awards:
2007: Award of Honour
2014: Inducted into Special Olympics Ontario Hall of Fame
2016: Distinguished Service Award
Our Sponsors

Quick Links...
 
Join Our Mailing List
   WHAT'S BEEN HAPPENING
S/Sgt Kevin MacBean Inducted into Special Olympics Ontario Hall of Fame

On Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at the Special Olympics Ontario (SOO) Annual General Meeting S/Sgt Kevin MacBean (Peel Regional Police & Director, Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run) was officially inducted into the SOO Hall of Fame.  Congratulations on this incredible honour, Kevin!

Below is an excerpt from the induction as read by Glenn MacDonell (President and CEO, Special Olympics Ontario)

             LEFT TO RIGHT: Rachelle MacBean, Ryan MacBean and Kevin MacBean

"Our first inductee is a proud member of the Peel Regional Police and an active and engaged Torch Run leader for over 15 years; and while Kevin is closing in on a 30 plus year career, he's NOT near finished writing the last chapter of his Torch Run manuscript.  The Torch Run needs no introduction at a Special Olympics gathering, for if you aren't familiar with this special relationship, then you haven't been around our movement or you're living under a rock. We don't have security issues and there is no clandestine stakeout at a Special Olympics games; the uniforms and law enforcement presence are volunteers. The "best of the best" in lock step support of a "cause" that has become an extension of what they do across the province, country and around the world, oh, and by the way, we're considered amongst the very best are here in Ontario!

Detective Sergeant Kevin MacBean isn't a writer but he's helped author a legacy that will keep the Law Enforcement Torch Run; this movement's signature partnership growing and evolving well into the future.  Amongst Kevin's many accomplishments and notations, is the creation of an orderly succession plan which encourages leadership and progression into the future. Kevin sees the Torch Run from a different vantage point, that of a parent and he gladly steps aside as the real star Ryan, handles both the athletic and ambassadorial roles with more flair than dad! For Kevin, this is natural, he'd prefer to quietly orchestrate from behind the scenes but with a transparent and effective opinion much valued by his colleagues and friends. If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.

We are so fortunate to have this "Special" relationship with law enforcement and we have been doubly blessed that people like Kevin MacBean continue to promote and give so generously to the cause!
2016 Special Olympics Ontario Annual Report Photo Contest


Congratulations to Jeff Cross (Niagara Regional Police) as the winner of this year's photo contest!  Jeff's photo features athlete Ryan MacBean as he competed in the 2016 Provincial Spring Games in Guelph.

Jeff is a longtime Torch Run volunteer and has captured many amazing Special Olympic and LETR moments over the year.  Click HERE to see his impressive and inspiring archive of photos.
Dr. Frank Hayden Inducted into
Canada's Sports Hall of Fame!

Congratulations to  Dr. Frank Hayden on receiving the highest sporting achievement in the country, being inducted into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame. Dr. Hayden has committed his life to ensuring the acceptance and inclusion of individuals with an intellectual disability. Thank you to Dr. Hayden for being the mastermind behind the Special Olympics movement and impacting lives of millions of athletes, their families and fans across the world.


Click HERE to read the CBC article on Dr. Hayden's induction
 UPCOMING EVENTS
It's Polar Plunge Season - Are you BRRR-ave Enough to Plunge?

Over $850,000 Raised since 2013 in Polar Plunges in Ontario!
 

Please visit www.polarplunge.ca to see a list of over 15 Plunges in Ontario this Winter.  Registration and Plunge Info will be updated for all Plunges soon.


TORONTO
January 21
WINDSOR
February 2 & 4

BARRIE
February 5

KINGSTON
February 5


PEEL
February 25

NORTH BAY
March 4

SAULT STE. MARIE (MICHIGAN)
March 4

SUDBURY
March 4

OTTAWA
March 4

GUELPH
TBA

YORK
TBA

LONDON
TBA

THUNDER BAY
TBA

OWEN SOUND
TBA

TERRACE BAY
TBA

HAMILTON
TBA



Interested in hosting a Polar Plunge in your community this Winter? Please contact the  Torch Run Manager
2017 Law Dogs of Southwestern Ontario Calendars


Click HERE to receive you FREE calendar with a donation of $15 (or more) for Special Olympics Ontario. The 2017 calendar features K9's from: Windsor Police Service, Amherstburg Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, Ministry of Correctional Services & Canadian Border Services Agency.
2017 Harley Davidson Roadster Raffle

The LETR in partnership with the Great Lakes Police Motorcycle Training Seminar and 2017 Host Agency; Toronto Police Service will be raffling off a 2017 Harley Davidson Roadster.  Only 2500 tickets will be sold, so act now before they are all gone!  Tickets can be purchased at many upcoming LETR events (to be announced soon) or at the TPS Motor Squad Headquarters, contact: [email protected].  


                    VOLUNTEERS WANTED

The LETR will have a booth at the following upcoming shows to promote the Torch Ride program and Harley Raffle:

International Motorcycle Show (International Centre) January 6-8, 2017
The Motorcycle Show  (Exhibition Place) February 17-19, 2017
Sportsmen Show (International Centre) March 15-19, 2017 
Motorcycle Spring Show (International Centre) March 25-26, 2017 

Please contact the Torch Run Manager if you can assist at any event
2017 Muddy Grape  Endurance Series - Locations Wanted

In 2016, Guelph hosted the 1st Annual 'Muddy Grape Endurance Run' at Cox Creek Cellars and raised over $33,000 with 350 Mud Runners.  This year, we are hoping to expand the Muddy Grape Property to different locations across the Province.  If any individual/Agency has a contact at a winery in your community please contact the Torch Run Manager as we are actively looking to grow the property and raise as much money possible for Special Olympics Ontario!


(Ret) Commissioner Chris Lewis Authors Book with Proceeds benefiting Special Olympics


Never Stop on a Hill is now available for purchase on amazon and all proceeds benefit Special Olympics Ontario!  Purchase your copy HERE
  SAVE THE DATE
Provincial Torch Run Workshop
Saturday, January 28, 2017
Sandman Signature Hotel,  5400 Dixie Road, Mississauga 
REGISTRATION DEADLINE:  January 13, 2017

Provincial Summer Games Final Leg
July 13, 2017
Peel Region
www.specialolympics2017games.com

   CONNECT AND SHARE
FACEBOOK YOUTUBE

No longer interested in email communications from Torch Run Ontario?