Message from the Director
Karen Richards
Year in Review - A Pandemic Success!
2020 was a tough year, unlike anything we have seen before. Despite the challenge, we did some amazing things! Below are some highlights of incredible fundraising and awareness efforts during the pandemic made possible because of our amazing Torch Runners across the Province!
Started in January as a Kingston School Championships fundraiser and lasted 44 weeks. Provincial effort helped net $48,400 for Special Olympics. (50% of sales)
Led by Toronto Police Motor Squad and supported by many agencies and individuals, helping sell 5,555 tickets and raise $97,250 for Special Olympics.

2021 Harley Raffle coming soon!
292 Runners from around the province raised over $35,000 while over 7,300 LETR shirts were distributed and sold locally.
Supporters of the Truck Convoy came together virtually to celebrate the trucking industry and its 16 year relationship with Special Olympics athletes in Ontario.
Led by OPP and supported by 76 Detachments and 27 other Law Enforcement Services and Agencies.

103 athletes "drafted" in the Draft an Athlete program for $250 each.
Named after the late Det-Cst. Robert Plunkett of York Regional Police, this award is presented to a Law Enforcement Torch Run representative who best exemplifies the spirit, philosophy, dedication and goals of the Law Enforcement Torch Run and the Special Olympics movement in Canada.

Congratulations Sgt. Mark McGugan - London Police Service for winning this prestigious award in November 2020.
Every day, every community. THANK YOU for being Guardians of the Flame and supporting over 26,000 individuals living with an intellectual disability in Ontario. We can't do it without you - thank you.

We can't wait to see what you have in store for 2021.
Impact of your Fundraising

Where did our funds go and what impact did they have on Special Olympics programming during the pandemic?
Online hub for all things virtual Special Olympics including international, live and on demand events and resources to keep athletes connected, active, positive and informed.
A virtual presentation of our Provincial Spring Games (in Waterloo) and our School Championships (in Kingston)
with sports events, online competition, social, health and ceremonial events hosted by WRPS and Kingston Police.
Provincially led and coordinated Summer Training Programs designed and created by SO Staff and Volunteers to engage athletes in sport specific training through the provision of 6 week online training modules for all summer sports. 
Began as the Coast to Coast Challenge and once we walked all of Canada, expanded to include participation from athletes around the world with athletes collectively walking around the planet.
An online health tracking and education program developed by Special Olympics Ontario with Best Life Rewarded. MyPAHL helps gamify the act of keeping healthy and getting fit by tracking and acquiring points for participation and healthy living.
SO Staff, volunteers, coaches and supporters all came together to create programming to help keep athletes engaged and fit, while having FUN and staying connected to their friends. Bravo to ALL and keep up the amazing work!
First Ever - Special Olympics Digital Impact Report

On December 8, 2020 Special Olympics launched its first-ever digital Impact Report. Below you will find the links to the report in both English and French. Please review, share and be proud of the contribution YOU made to this incredible charity.
Please click HERE for English version

Please click HERE for French version
Exciting events in 2021...
Virtual Kick-Off Conference & Awards
January 21, 2021 - 7PM
NEW! Purchase a 'Celebration Box' to enjoy while watching the show, details on the registration page.

Save the Date: Virtual Polar Plunge
Registration opens: February 1, 2021
Plunge any day on or before: February 28, 2021
More details coming soon!
Download the Torch Run App!