Law enforcement officers and Special Olympics athletes across Ontario join forces annually for the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR), an initiative that not only raises funds but also advocates for acceptance and inclusion of individuals with intellectual disabilities.
On Wednesday morning in Stratford, community members gathered just before 11 a.m. for this inspiring event outside of Stratford Police headquarters.
The LETR stands as a symbol of public awareness and grassroots fundraising for Special Olympics, embodied by the “Flame of Hope” carried by devoted law enforcement officers and athletes.
Const. Darren Fischer of Stratford Police Service, leading the procession with fellow officers, noted that the event benefits Special Olympics by creating awareness to what they do within the community. Twenty-five officers each year participate in this run.
Jane Larkworthy, Special Olympics Ontario, Stratford and Area Community Coordinator, said that the “torch run is a wonderful event that brings the community together; it raises money, millions of dollars.”
“As far as our local torch run is concerned, having the police and our athletes and families and supporters come together and meet together and have their picture taken together and run together out to Boston Pizza, shows the community, and the connection between our athletes and law enforcement,” Larkworthy said.
Const. Fischer added that the torch run is a social activity and not a race, and it creates a team atmosphere to “show that we’re here to support the athletes in anything.”
“And everything that they do, we’re here to have fun with them and to just allow them to feel like they’re a part of our community.”
As the run concluded, with Boston Pizza as the final destination, both athletes and officers expressed a sense of fulfillment.
