Marc Brunette’s first exposure to Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) began early on in his policing career when Sergeant Joanne Pendrak (now retired) recruited him to get involved. “She had a remarkable ability to recruit members of our Police Service to join the good cause that is LETR,” said Marc. His involvement started with fundraising and participating in local Torch Run’s. “This is where I had the privilege to meet Special Olympics athletes and realize the positive impacts of the LETR movement,” Marc recalled.
Marc’s participation with LETR initiatives continued over the years, carrying on with supporting and participating in multiple Torch Run’s. In 2013, Sergeant Joanne Pendrak reached out and asked if Marc would help her coordinate a LETR Polar Plunge in support of Special Olympics. Of course, Marc was willing to lend helping hand! “Given her years of passion and commitment to LETR, I accepted thinking ‘what could possibly go wrong,’ there’s nothing to it – of course I can do that!”
In 2014, Marc found himself on Ramsey Lake in Greater Sudbury with a borrowed ice auger and a homemade ice chopper. Together with some friends, they managed to open up a hole in the ice large enough to host their first Annual LETR Polar Plunge for Special Olympics. “The fun hasn’t stopped since,” said Marc. This past year, Marc and the Greater Sudbury Police Service hosted their 8th Polar Plunge.
Marc’s continued involvement with LETR stems from the values both LETR and Special Olympics promote. Such values align perfectly with Marc’s personal values and those promoted by the Greater Sudbury Police Service. “Special Olympics is important to me as it represents inclusion,” said Marc. “I admire the Special Olympics movement as it provides individuals with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to lead healthy and active lifestyles. In addition, it engages community members to volunteer and be involved with initiative that promotes well-being,” he continued.
Just like how Marc was introduced to LETR, he now encourages others to get involved with the Special Olympics movement. When asked why others should get involved with LETR, Marc remarked, “Why not? It’s a lot of fun and you get to meet great people along the way.” As he reflects on his time spent with LETR, it is hard not to see the passion Marc exuberates in regards to Special Olympics. “LETR is a well-established organization, proud to support Special Olympics – an organization focused on enriching the lives of Canadians. Getting involved is integral to the movement; it’s a key ingredient to building and sustaining safe and healthy communities.”
Thank you, Inspector Marc Brunette, for your continued service with LETR. Your passion and dedication to the Special Olympics movement has been a joy to watch – we can’t thank you enough!
