The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics BC is marking 30 years of making a difference for individuals with intellectual disabilities. And they’re celebrating by turning their signature fundraising event into a virtual run and walk in which everyone can participate.
The first-ever Virtual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics BC will take place June 1 to 7. Led by law enforcement champions, the event is open to anyone who wants to run or walk and raise funds to support Special Olympics BC’s empowering sport, youth, and health programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
“Law enforcement members are doing so much to keep everyone safe during this unique time. Special Olympics BC deeply appreciates how our law enforcement friends continue finding opportunities to support our life-changing movement,” SOBC President & CEO Dan Howe said. “Special Olympics BC is a community, a family, and a source of emotional stability for more than 5,200 athletes throughout the province. Funds raised through the Virtual Torch Run for SOBC will allow us to deliver resources and encouragement to athletes who are feeling isolated at home, and renew our sport programs and competitions when it is safe to do so.”
In a typical year, law enforcement members come together in their communities in June to hit the pavement and raise funds and awareness. This year, the Virtual Torch Run participants won’t be running and walking together in person, but they will be together in spirit, making their individual kilometres count for this important cause.
During the Torch Run week, participants will run and walk as many times as they can, while maintaining physical distancing. They will log their kilometres and fundraising totals online, working together to reach the event’s targets. To recognize this year’s 30th anniversary of the BC LETR, the fundraising goal is $30,000 and runners/walkers will look to cover a combined distance of 3,000 kilometres.
“We are very excited to launch the Virtual Torch Run during the 30th anniversary of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for SOBC,” said Rick Lucy, BC LETR Provincial Director and retired Abbotsford Police Department Deputy Chief Constable, who ran in the inaugural 1990 BC LETR event. “Law enforcement members from many different agencies will have an opportunity to join forces and support Special Olympics BC. The event will also be very inclusive, with SOBC athletes and many other people joining the fun to support a great cause.”
Everyone can sign up for the Virtual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics BC at www.specialolympics.bc.ca/letr. Supporters can also donate to SOBC through the event.