The athletes and other participants jog down to the waterfront from the North Bay Police Headquarters with the "Flame of Hope" as they are escorted by the North Bay Police.Photos by Tommy Wong.
The Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run started out as a small fundraiser for the Special Olympics but has dramatically evolved over the past 34 years. During the first year, police officers in Wichita, Kansas raised $300, and now 34 years later, it's grown into an international fundraiser which last year alone, raised over $45 million.
The Special Olympics is a big event worldwide and it provides athletes with disabilities a chance to live out their dreams. The event also presents the athletes a chance to bond together and to meet people they can relate to.
For Bev Phippen, that bond has lead to something way more.
Bev and her husband met at the Special Olympics over 20 years ago and they've been married for 14 years now.
Phippen is a veteran of the games and also a multi-sport athlete as well. She competed in cross-country skiing in the early 90's and last year was able to compete in curling when the Special Olympics Ontario Winter games came to North Bay.
When the torch run was over, Phippen was happy with how the event turned out. “The program for Special Olympics and the torch run means a whole lot to us,” stated Phippen.
“They raise enough money for our local chapter and throughout the whole community of North Bay.”
The torch run not only gives the athletes a chance to get together, it also presents local police officers with a good opportunity as well. Constable Merv Shantz helped coordinate the event and he said it is good to have his fellow officers present during events like the torch run.
“A lot of times, as law enforcement officers, we deal with the negative things in society,” stated Shantz.
“So this is a real good opportunity to just get out, enjoy the camaraderie and support a great cause”.
The participants of the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run gathered at the finish to celebrate their accomplishments.
To say that Constable Shantz has had a big part in helping out with the Special Olympics would be an understatement.
Shantz worked as the Games Manager when the Special Olympics Ontario Winter Games came to town. And two years ago, he also had the honour of attending the 2013 Law Enforcement Torch Run international conference in Orlando, Florida.
“It's neat to see officers at the conference from Singapore, China, Japan, and every other country you can think of that were there to represent their law enforcement ” said Shantz.
“They go to the conference every year to talk about their torch run programs, to give fresh ideas for fundraising and also to support each other.”
Constable Shantz noted that the goal for everyone this year, is to raise $50 million for the Special Olympics.
A total of $1237.25 was raised thanks to donations, t-shirt sales and a barbeque at police headquarters. The North Bay Police Service thanks donors, participants, volunteers and the media for their excellent coverage of this event.
