A little damp and chilly weather did not dampen the spirits of members of the Mission RCMP and Special Olympics athletes for this year’s B.C. Law Enforcement Torch Run on Thursday.
Police officers and athletes from Mission completed the leg from the RCMP detachment at Lougheed Highway and Wren Street to the Tim Hortons on First Avenue, people cheering and cars honking as they ran.
“We’ve had good turnouts in all of the communities we’ve been running in,” said Rick Lucy, deputy police chief in Abbotsford and provincial chair of the torch run.
Two athletes from Mission participated in the run, both from the Special Olympics track and field team; 48-year-old Pat Johnson, and 38-year-old JP Maher.
Since 1990, the B.C. Law Enforcement Torch Run has been instrumental in raising awareness and funds for athletes and programs.
“Special Olympics relies heavily on sponsorship and donations and it’s very volunteer intensive as well,” said Lucy, adding athletes train and hold events year-round.
The special Olympics provide individuals with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to enrich their lives and celebrate personal achievement through positive sport experiences.
For more information visit specialolympics.bc.ca.
