Walkers and runners took to the streets of North Bay for this year’s Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, a fundraiser for the local athletes.
Aline Major a civilian working with the North Bay Police Service is a long-time volunteer.
For nearly two decades Major has helped the local organization in various capacities, including organizing the annual torch run with Special Olympic athletes and members of the police service participating.
“The Law Enforcement Torch Run first came to Canada was 1987. The annual fundraising effort raises money to fund the athletes, travel, games everything that goes into making it all happen,” said Major.
“It is also about bringing awareness to Special Olympics and our athletes.”
Rob Saunders is the co-ordinator for Near North Special Olympics says money raised helps to cover many expenses.
“All the money helps when we go away on our big trips for provincials, nationals or world games. All the money goes into a big pot and all the athletes get subsidized for the big events we do.”
Local athletes recently competed in the Invitational Youth Games in Toronto for student athletes aged 13 to 21.
The inaugural event attracted 2,500 athletes and coaches from around the world, part of the 50th anniversary celebrations for Special Olympics.
“There were five different sports; floor hockey, basketball, bocce, soccer and track. It was amazing. We did really, really well. Scollard Hall joined us and they got a gold and bronze medal, Widdifield got a bronze in floor hockey, Almaquin joined us and they got a bronze as well,” said Saunders.
“Because this is a school championship, every high school program in North Bay that has a special education class can compete as a high school at these games. So, it is like NDA, or NOSSA, but it is strictly for our athletes.”
They also just competed in a school track meet for Special Olympics at the local level, attracting 122 athletes.
“And this Saturday we are hosting our district track meet at Northern in Sturgeon Falls, and we’re expecting about 120 athletes from across the northeast district to come,” said Saunders.
“They will be coming from Parry Sound all the way up to Elliot Lake, Sault Ste. Marie, and about 40 will be from the North Bay area. Our youngest competitor is six years old up to 80. We have no age limit.”
Athlete John Touw will be competing in a few events at this weekends track meet.
“I like running the best. I like short races and long races. It doesn’t matter as long as I’m running,” said Touw.
“I like competing in a lot of sports and doing my best and also making friends.”
His positive attitude is in line with the Special Olympics motto; “let me win, but if I can’t win, let me be brave in the attempt.”
