Constable Shaun Beaulieu, Sault Ste. Marie Police Service
Shaun Beaulieu’s Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) and Special Olympics (SO) journey has taken him from being “volun-told” to set up a local run and barbeque while working for the Town of Espanola, to taking on the role of Games Manager to run the Special Olympics Ontario Provincial Winter Games in Sault Ste. Marie, 2019.
Over Shaun’s 17 years with LETR and SO, he recalls so many great memories but his time as Games Manager stands out. “Having the opportunity to lead an amazing organizing team for the 2019 Winter Games in ‘The Soo’ was truly the highlight of my LETR experience and my career to date. Seeing it through and seeing all the experiences we were able to bring to the athletes was humbling. Your first games experience and Final Leg into opening ceremonies is memorable to all involved, but even more memorable was the opportunity to make that experience happen for others in my hometown.”
Shaun credits the determination and attitudes of the Special Olympics athletes for not only keeping him involved, but also inspiring him to do more and more all the time with LETR. “The Special Olympics athletes' determination is contagious to those around them. When you watch the athletes compete against each other and strive to succeed, and yet support each other it's truly inspiring. LETR is a huge reason that they have the opportunity to be there.”
Holding the position of Zone Coordinator, which recognizes his leadership within the geographical area, Shaun commented on what he tells those he sees attending their first LETR event, “LETR is your opportunity to see the positive in our communities. In a career where we deal with negative after negative, it is truly refreshing to meet the athletes and each and every person like yourself, who are willing to support them in any way they can.”
The efforts of Shaun and the LETR team in Sault Ste. Marie and surrounding areas could not have been displayed any better with the outstanding success of the 2019 Special Olympics Ontario Provincial Winter Games. The appreciation for their ongoing efforts was summed up perfectly by the smiles, excitement and gratitude shown by each and every athlete who was able to attend the Games!
