There were 10,000 reasons for people to run around Boulevard Lake Sunday.
That’s the amount raised by the Law Enforcement Torch run in support of the Special Olympics that saw around 150 people, including 50 athletes, hit the road before being cheered on and draped with medals at the finish line. Special Olympics’ Ashleigh Quarrell said along with financial support, the torch run gives athletes a lot of motivational support as well.
“It’s really good for us in terms of reminding people that we’re still here and we still need their support,” she said. “The athletes get a real kick out of running with the officers and seeing the police cars cheering them on as they’re coming through the finish line.”
Along with police cars, the athletes were greeted by a Thunder Bay Fire Rescue pumper. Thudner Bay Police Service Staff Sgt. Ryan Gibson said all first responders like to help out when they can.
“Part of their nature is just to give back to the community,” he said. “These athletes work so hard.”
“It’s about making things better.”
The torch run is one of several events, including the Polar Bear Plunge, that local police services put on in support of the Special Olympics. Money raised by the athletes stays local while the torch run funds raised by officers goes to support the Special Olympics nationally and provincially for things like traveling expenses for athletes.
