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On September 11, 2024, the Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics will begin its journey through the Ottawa Valley, starting in Pembroke and Petawawa. The LETR, the largest public awareness and grassroots fundraising initiative for Special Olympics, supports athletes with intellectual disabilities. Officers from the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Ottawa Police Service, Deep River Police Service, and other law enforcement agencies will join local Special Olympians to raise funds and awareness.
The event kicks off at 10:00 a.m. at Pembroke City Hall, with participants greeted by Mayor Ron Gervais. After the run through Pembroke, which will conclude at Riverside Park, the group will reconvene in Petawawa around 12:15 p.m. The route there will end at Our Lady of Sorrows (OLS), where Mayor Gary Serviss and students will welcome the participants. A soccer baseball game between OLS students and Special Olympics athletes will round off the day.
On September 26, 2024, the run will move to Renfrew and Arnprior. Renfrew’s event starts at 10:00 a.m. from Town Hall and finishes at the OPP detachment, where participants will enjoy a BBQ lunch. The Arnprior portion begins at 3:00 p.m., running from Daniel Street and concluding at the Tim Hortons on Madawaska Boulevard.
Throughout these events, runners will carry collection buckets to gather donations in support of Special Olympics Ontario (SOO) programs, which fund travel, accommodations, meals, and training for athletes.
For more information, visit www.torchrunontario.com.
(Written by: Emma Butler)