Breanna Stinson is a Canine Handler with SOLGEN Correctional Services, and first got involved with the Law Enforcement Torch Run in 2016 when she and her graduating class took part in the Hamilton Polar Plunge. “It was an icy plunge that was so much fun to be a part of! It was very motivating to see the impact that our …
Special Olympics Aurora athlete Carly Bryden is no stranger to the water. Not only is her favourite sport swimming as a member of the Aurora Special Ducks, but she has also been freezin’ for a reason for the past 4 years – and this year was no different! Carly, alongside her father John, brother Kyle and his girlfriend Olivia, took …
For the past four years, Bill Mills has been the top Polar Plunge fundraiser from Special Olympics London. Having plunged at in-person plunges in the past, Mills, who volunteers as a floor hockey coach, says that the virtual plunge brings with it a new challenge. “It is always a challenge to gear up to take on the cold water, but …
Aimee Buckborough, a seasoned Special Olympics Ontario athlete, is well aware of the time, commitment and effort required to excel in sport. As a gold medal swimmer at Nationals, avid golfer and softball player, Aimee has always been willing to push herself outside of her comfort zone to pursue her best. In keeping with this mindset, Aimee decided to try …
The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics Ontario is happy to announce and welcome, Derek Spence as the new Manager of the Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run! Derek recently retired from the London Police Service (LPS) after 32.5 years of service, but his involvement with the LETR for Special Olympics dates back over 30 years. After years of …
Superintendent Mike McDonell has been greatly involved with the Law Enforcement Torch Run for the past 30 years and he has said, “.. the greatest highlight is the small personal interactions with an athlete and their family…I get very moved and very inspired by this.” Over the course of the past 3 decades, Mike has been a strong advocate of the …
Congratulations to Sgt. Mark McGugan from the London Police Service for being voted into the role of Regional Coordinator (Canada) for the International LETR Executive Council succeeding (Ret) Deputy Chief Rick Lucy from the Abbotsford Police Service who held the position for 8 years. Mark has been an active volunteer with the LETR in Ontario for over 33 years holding …
Clifford Trevor Priest passed away in his 63rd year on July 22, 2021 after an illness with family by his side. Cliff was the President of the Niagara Region Police Association and a strong supporter of Special Olympics both before and during his tenure as President. He often referred to Special Olympics as the policing member’s charity as there was …
The Ontario Virtual Torch Run (OVTR) happened to be Niagara Regional Police’s, Divya Bhagria’s first-ever event with Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR). “I saw internal emails being sent out from our Niagara LETR team to the service about Torch Run and Special Olympics Ontario,” said Divya. She continued, “I decided to open the email, which led me to the LETR …
Sergeant Aaron Gross is the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics Ontario (SOO) representative for the Niagara Regional Police Service. With his involvement he helps coordinate officers in attendance for local SOO School Programs, Polar Plunge, other fundraising initiatives, and program events. Aaron goes beyond that by taking part in additional events across the province such as the …
Special Olympics Canada has once again partnered with Tim Hortons to create the limited edition #ChoosetoInclude Donut, available from January 28-30. 100% of the proceeds from sales of the donut will go directly to local Special Olympics community programs.
