On Saturday, July 21st, Special Olympics will be kicking off a year-long celebration of our 50th Anniversary. To celebrate the occasion and encourage communities to join the Special Olympics Movement, the Government of Saskatchewan has designated July 21st, 2018 as the "Global Day of Inclusion" in Saskatchewan.
"We are proud to be hosting a local celebration of this worldwide anniversary," says Faye Matt, Special Olympics Saskatchewan CEO. "Special Olympics has been changing the lives of athletes with intellectual disabilities in Saskatchewan and around the world for over five decades, and beyond changing lives, our sports programs have been breaking stigmas and building inclusive communities along the way."
There are a variety of ways you can join in to celebrate, including participating in the Saskatchewan Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR)’s fun run. Doing what they do best, also on July 21, the LETR will be helping raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics as they run from the Conexus Arts Centre to the Canada Games Athletic Complex, where they will light the commemorative cauldron with the Flame of Hope.
"The run is a great way for the public and law enforcement personnel to come together to do something fun and meaningful. The support for Special Olympics is vital and we are all very proud to be part of making this possible," says Sergeant Roxanne Hudym with the RCMP and LETR Regina Region Representative. All are invited to join in the run, registering between 8:45 am-9:45 am at the Conexus Arts Centre. There is no cost to participate but donations are being accepted at registration.
Immediately following the official lighting of the cauldron is the Special Olympics Provincial Bocce Tournament, also being held at the Canada Games Athletic Complex. Athletes from across the province will be joining in this day long competition, the first sporting event of our 50th year here in Saskatchewan! All are welcome to attend and cheer on our participants.
As if there weren’t enough ways to celebrate already, Tim Hortons, national sponsor of Special Olympics Canada, will be selling an exclusive Special Olympics Donut on July 21st with proceeds supporting Special Olympics. This donut was designed by a Special Olympics athlete and all are encouraged to celebrate this exciting occasion by way of posting a picture of your donut and using #ChooseToInclude. Be sure to get yours on Saturday!
For more information and updates on this event and celebrations around the world, check in here: http://www.specialolympics.ca/saskatchewan/story/50th-anniversary.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Faye Matt
CEO, Special Olympics Saskatchewan
P: 306 780 9277
E: fmatt@specialolympics.sk.ca
Special Olympics Saskatchewan
Special Olympics Saskatchewan has been working with children, youth, and adults with an intellectual disability for fifty years. Within this time, it has grown well beyond being an event to become a year-round international movement. Our vision is to continue to improve and expand the quality, opportunity and accessibility of sport to individuals with an intellectual disability. Along with this, we continue to strive to improve upon both the awareness and support of the Province of Saskatchewan.
Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Saskatchewan
The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is Special Olympics’ largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle. Since the first Torch Run in Kansas in 1981, the event has grown to where there are now over 75,000 law enforcement officers carrying
