Across British Columbia, many law enforcement members proudly support Special Olympics BC athletes through the Law Enforcement Torch Run movement. Retired Vancouver Police Department Inspector Joanne Wild is a standout example who continually goes above and beyond.
"There are many ways [Special Olympics] has changed my life, but I would say each time I have an opportunity to watch competitions, interact with athletes and see the joy on their faces - no matter the outcome - it inspires me to be a better person and continue my support,” Wild says.
Wild has been a dedicated champion of Special Olympics BC since the 1990s, playing a key role through the BC Law Enforcement Torch Run, serving on the BC LETR Executive Council and leading the development of the movement and its key events across the province. Wild has also generously given her time and skills as a Special Olympics coach in community programs including Club Fit. Most recently, Wild stepped up to serve as a Region 5 athletics coach for the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games.
Wild works tirelessly to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics BC athletes and programs, and has played an important role in building law enforcement support for Special Olympics in British Columbia.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run is a global movement with more than 113,000 law enforcement members committed to inclusion and supporting Special Olympics. LETR members run a wide range of fundraising events, and they carry the Flame of Hope into the Opening Ceremonies of Special Olympics Provincial, National, and World Games, symbolizing unity and opportunity.
As the largest global grassroots fundraising and public awareness organization for Special Olympics, the LETR continues to make a lasting impact.
Wild loves that her career in law enforcement has led her to new opportunities and experiences with Special Olympics. “I would never have become involved in the LETR if I wasn’t in this career and it is something that I cherish each and every day.”
She first got involved with Special Olympics BC during her policy academy training, where she participated in the Vancouver Police Department leg of the Torch Run. Her passion for creating opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities led her to deepen her involvement and impact throughout the ensuing decades.
“I grew up playing a variety of different sports. Knowing how much I benefited, the lasting friendships I made, the impact it had on my life, it was easy to say yes,” she says. “Knowing it would help provide similar opportunities for individuals with an intellectual disability, so they could experience the joy of sport much like I did and continue to do, I knew I would do what I could to raise as much money as I could.”
Among Wild’s highlights with Special Olympics and the LETR are memories of presenting medals and ribbons at athletics competitions, carrying the Flame of Hope into the Opening Ceremony for various Special Olympics Games across B.C., and participating in the Final Legs for the Special Olympics World Winter Games Pyeong Chang 2013 and the Special Olympics World Summer Games Los Angeles 2015.
“The reason these are all highlights is not because of what I got to do, but because of what I experienced – and that was the excitement, energy, competitiveness, sportsmanship, high fives and hugs, smiles of the athletes who were participating and because they are the true heroes who inspire all of us to do our best each and every day.”
Wild continues to be a vital leader for numerous LETR events, including the annual Polar Plunge and the Torch Run. She also served as the Director of Security for the 2023 Special Olympics BC Winter Games in Kamloops.
In recognition of her inspiring dedication and lasting impact, Special Olympics BC awarded Wild a Special Olympics 50th anniversary medallion for changing the way the world sees individuals with intellectual disabilities.
“I can say, without a doubt, that I have gained so much more than I have given in the friendships I’ve formed with athletes, their hugs and high fives, their infectious joy for life, their comradery and sportsmanship, the list goes on.”
Thank you to Wild and the BC LETR members and SOBC coaches who transform lives through sport in communities across our province every day!