Officers with Saugeen Shores Police Service, local Special Olympians and volunteers gathered at the Port Elgin Cinemas on May 22 for the annual Torch Run to raise funds and awareness for the Special Olympics.

Hub Staff

Officers with the Saugeen Shores Police Service and local Special Olympians braved the rain on May 22, as they took to the streets of downtown Port Elgin, walking, running and cycling, while collecting donations, in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.

Carrying an Olympic torch as well as banner and signs, officers and Special Olympians started their journey at the Port Elgin Cinemas and travelled down Goderich Street with a police escort to Maple Square Mall.

Torch Run officer, Saugeen Shores Police Sergeant Chantel Primeau, said that the idea of the Torch Run was to raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics adding that the money collected stays local. “We were in Southampton last year so we're doing Port Elgin this year,” she explained.

Community Coordinator for Special Olympics Central Bruce, Shelly Bellamy said that although the weather hadn't cooperated this year, nobody minded. “We do this for public relations,” she said. “We have a close tie to the police and their big fundraisers for us.”

Eight year old Shaylynn Luyt, a big supporter of the Special Olympics, stands with local Special Olympians, from left, Wayne Morton, Ray Tomlinson, Terri Johnston, Marcus Dolson and Justin VonHunnius after they braved the rain and travelled through downtown Port Elgin with the Saugeen Shores Police in the Law Enforcement Torch Run May 22.

With donation buckets in hand Saugeen Shores officers collected funds for the Special Olympics. Officer Adam Sachs carries the Olympic Torch while Auxilliary Officer Zack Zadow carries a sign thanking people for their donations.

With the rain pouring down, Special Olympians, alongside Saugeen Shores police officers, begin their journey down Goderich Street in Port Elgin.