TORCH RUN NEWSLETTER - APRIL 2020
A Message From The Director
Sgt. Mark McGugan
National Volunteer Week
(April 9 - 25)
During National Volunteer Week we applaud YOU for all that YOU do.

Special Olympics Ontario can't thank you enough for the time you dedicate to the movement both within the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) and in your communities as volunteers and coaches. During this uncertain time, the commitment from the LETR is deeply valued. It has become very evident that our LETR and Special Olympics family and friends continue to stay together as never before, to ensure that everyone stays healthy and secure.

You spend your time cheering on athletes and now it's time for us to cheer YOU on. Help us celebrate your impact by sharing your WHY for National Volunteer Week (April 19 - 25).

Tell us WHY you volunteer, support Special Olympics Ontario, so we can share your passion and impact.

Join the #WhyIVolunteerSOC national conversation on social media, by following these simple steps:


  1. Visit our #NVW2020 website by clicking this text
  2. Scroll down until you see the option to "Download" our social media images
  3. Follow the instructions for the appropriate social media channel (Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter).
  4. Add your 'Why'
  5. Post the final image on your social media channels with @SOOntario #NVW2020 #WhyIVolunteerSOC

Please take this moment to join us in celebrating the impact YOU make.
The 2020 Polar Plunge Season
has been amazing!

But it's not over just yet! Introducing...
YOU CAN WIN!!!
Our panel of Polar Plunge Experts will award 2 FREE Hush Blankets ($375 value) for plunge videos which are:
  • Most creative/best use of costume or props
  • Best Special Olympics/Torch Run spirit

DONATE & WIN! Every $20 donation gets a ballot into the draw for:
  • 1st Prize: Hush Blanket ($375 value)
  • 2nd Prize: JBL Charge 4 Wireless Speaker ($220 value)
  • 3rd Prize: Polar Plunge Prize Pack (YETI Mug, waterproof pouch, scarf and fleece buff) ($100 value)

VIRTUAL PLUNGE DRAWS MAY 1st - 1 WEEK LEFT!
Special Olympics Canada Winter Games,
2020 Thunder Bay
The Special Olympics Canada Winter Games were hosted in Thunder Bay this past January. These Games were an incredible experience, especially for their dedication to ensuring athletes were front and center, serving as co-Master of Ceremonies, hosting fundraisers and their one of a kind Cheer Squad.
A special thanks to many Ontario Torch Run ambassadors who took on key roles throughout the Games. Our thanks to Games Vice Chairs; Retired Chief JP Levesque and Sergeant Julie Tilbury as well as Warren Giertuga who co-chaired the Draft and Athlete program that raised over $280,000! Well done JP, Julie and Warren.

Additional thanks to: CBSA Member Tara Bottan and Ministry of Natural Resources Officer Keith Nutley for leading the LETR Final Leg. Sgt. Bill Pollock who heading up the Main Operations Centre and Inspector Ryan Gibson for assistance on the Draft an Athlete program as well as Constable Jeff Saunders for coordinating the final leg run into the Opening Ceremonies.

Check out http://specialolympics2020.com/  for more details on these fantastic Games!
The Final Leg highlighted all the things that make the North so special from the Terry Fox Memorial, to Kakabecka Falls and all the communities in Zone 1.

Our very own Sgt. Aaron Gross from the Niagara Region Police Service represented the Ontario program with pride. The 11 members of the Final Leg team were joined by 75 other Torch Run members when the Flame of Hope was run into the opening ceremonies.

For more details on this incredible experience, click here .
LETR Founder Turns 80...
Help us wish Chief LaMunyon Happy Birthday
Join us in wishing LETR Founder Chief Richard LaMunyon a very happy 80th birthday on Friday, April 24th!

39 years ago Chief LaMunyon saw an opportunity to include Special Olympics athletes into the community through what we know today as the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

His vision of inclusion and acceptance has changed the lives of millions of Special Olympics athletes and members of law enforcement around the world. $300 raised in 1981 has turned into $794 MILLION worldwide to date!

You can leave the Chief a birthday note HERE

You can also send him a virtual message on social media:

Instagram: @letrforso
Twitter: @LETRforSO
#10ADayTilIitsOK
While we are quarantined, let's stay in shape! Do 10 of your favourite exercises each day and challenge your friends and family to do so as well. Include an inspiration message to our athletes to keep their spirits up and let them know we are thinking of them!

For some great ideas on how to stay healthy at home, you can check out https://sohealthyathome.ca/
Feeling lucky?
Progressive Jackpot is over $4,385 and growing!
Guaranteed winner every week until the Ace of Spades is drawn!

Draw occurs weekly on Wednesdays, 7:00 PM EDT
5 tickets for
$10
20 tickets for
$20
75 tickets for
$50
200 tickets for
$100
Do you have your Harley Raffle Tickets?
Looking for another way to support with a chance to win big?
You won't want to miss the opportunity to win a 2020 Harley Davidson Street Glide, valued at over $30,000!


There are a limited number of tickets available, so act quickly to get your tickets!
Are you on Social Media?
Keep up with Torch Run Ontario! Catch our videos, view pictures of events across the province, see what others are saying and keep the conversation going! Click below to find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube!

Looking to have your Torch Run related event photos features on our social channels? Email us your photos with a brief description of the event!
Looking to stop receiving these emails? Please be sure to read below:

Please note that clicking the unsubscribe link below will remove you from ALL newsletters and emails from Special Olympics Ontario - this means all communications related to Special Olympics Ontario and Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run, including related major games, events and updates etc.