OPP Torch Relay in Essex County raises awareness for Special Olympics

The Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run made its way through Essex County.

The Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) toured Essex County on Thursday.

Special Olympians, police officers, and supporters ran, walked, and biked through Lakeshore, Tecumseh, Lasalle, Leamington, Kingsville – ending in Essex.

The event is the largest public awareness fundraiser for the Special Olympics.

The torch run has raised over $74 million across Canada since it began.

The Special Olympics has supported and promoted respect, acceptance, inclusion, and dignity for people with intellectual disabilities through sport for over 50 years.

Jim Chauvin is an OPP officer who has participated in fundraisers in support of the Special Olympics for many years.

“We do several events throughout the year – [like the] Polar Plunge,” said Chauvin. “We do a torch run as we’ve done in the past. And we host different events throughout the year, just fundraisers. The public can even go directly to Special Olympics Ontario website, and they can make donations there as well.”