August 9 – 10 dated the first annual Law Enforcement Torch Ride for Special Olympics in the Northern Region. The purpose and intention of this event was two-fold; to raise funds for the Special Olympic athletes in Ontario and raise awareness of the Special Olympics movement in Ontario. This campaign proved to be a great success when over $9000 was raised for the athletes and an abundance of awareness was created as the team made its way around Ontario.
The group of riders scored over 1500km on their motorcycles traveling from Timmins to Sudbury, then through the Manitoulin Island, over the Georgian Bay on the Chi-Cheemaun, then through the beautiful countryside of Grey-Bruce and toward Barrie. The team then proceeded to North Bay crossing back and forth through the Muskokas and Parry Sound.
It is important to recognize those when a great feat is met. The folks at Auto Trim and Spectrum kept us safe with providing lettering and a caution light for the support vehicle. The Greater City of Sudbury, Barrie Police Service and North Bay Police all helped us find our way into their communities without incident. A very special thanks goes to The Torchia Group and Boston Pizza for taking great care of the team in both Timmins and Barrie. Thank you to J.P. Aube and the Quality Inn in Sudbury for putting us up for the night. The Owen Sound Transportation Company donated all of our boarding fees on the Chi-Cheemaun. While on the Chi-Cheemaun the Captain announced our presence which produced over $600 of donations.
A thank you is definitely in order to all of the community business and residents who made either a monetary or in kind donation.
Thank you to Constable Colbey and the Timmins Police Service for providing the official escort throughout the campaign. The Timmins Police Service is and will always be dedicated to the community it serves. "
