A Special Day For Special Olympians

The was a chill in the air but a warm glow in the hearts of the more than 400 police personnel, Special Olympians and others who took part in the 2nd Annual Guardians of the Flame Half-Marathon and 5K Races in Orillia.

Proud to be hosting Guardians of the Flame runs for Special Olympics in Orillia#Orillia @LETR @Guardians_half @SOOntario pic.twitter.com/tIM8qFW4Nw

— Dan Blakeley (@realitymandan) October 14, 2018

There are more than 26-thousand Special Olympic athletes across Ontario. Money raised at this event (a record $2.3M were raised at Law Enforcement Torch Run events last year) allows these athletes to participate in life-changing events such as next year’s provincial winter games in Sault Ste. Marie and the first ever invitational youth games in Toronto.

Yahoos and huzzahs for Special Olympian Owen Konkle…first to cross the 5K finish line (20 minutes) at today’s Guardians of the Flame Half Marathon And 5K Runs in Orillia#Orillia @Guardians_half @SOOntario @LETR pic.twitter.com/fAxe2P0tug

— Dan Blakeley (@realitymandan) October 14, 2018

Today’s courses began an ended at OPP General headquarters taking runners and walkers along the Orillia waterfront and Oro Medonte Rail Trail.

First half marathoner has crossed the line at the Guardians runs for Special Olympics in Orillia; Sean Sharp at 1:24:02#Orillia @Guardians_half @SOOntario @LETR pic.twitter.com/C5FfDPutwn

— Dan Blakeley (@realitymandan) October 14, 2018

2018 marks the 50th anniversary of Special Olympics. It was created by the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation for the benefit of persons with intellectual disabilities.

Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is recognized as the official charity of choice of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police. All funds directly benefit Special Olympics Ontario.