Kevin Masterman
Toronto Police Service
July 13, 2010

The final steps in an inspiring journey hit the pavement at police headquarters, as dozens of police officers ran a relay in support of the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games.
Officers were running the final leg of the 24th Law Enforcement Torch Run from Toronto to London, which will pass through York and Peel regions, as well as Guelph.

This year, Toronto Police Service members raised $37,000 for Special Olympics Ontario, in support of athletes with intellectual disabilities.Chief Bill Blair said that the law-enforcement community has embraced the Special Olympics because of the spirit of its athletes.

“It’s one of the most worthy causes I know,” Chief Blair told the hundreds gathered at the kick-off event. “I’ve never met anyone who has ever spent even a few minutes with our Special Olympians, who is not inspired by their courage and inspired to give and support anyway they can to this special organization.”

Neil Glasberg, chair of Special Olympics Canada, said over 1,000 athletes will participate in the once-in-a-lifetime experience at the London Games. The winners will qualify for next year’s World Summer Games in Greece. “Their opportunity stems largely from the phenomenal support we enjoy from you, the law enforcement community,” Glasberg said, of the fundraising effort that contributed $3.8 million across Canada last year. The first run in Toronto in 1987, spearheaded by then-TPS Chief Jack Marks and Const. Lorne White, has become the largest single contributor in the country.
“Each of you has shown that one person can make a meaningful difference in a life, that we can be part of something bigger than ourselves and that the world can get a little better with every selfless act.”

Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner-designate Chris Lewis pointed to two inspiring figures in his life – long-time Special Olympics volunteer York Regional Police D/Const Rob Plunkett, who died in the line of duty in 2007, and his younger brother Robbie, who suffers from an intellectual disability.
Lewis said his 43-year-old brother still cherishes the medals he received as a Special Olympian.
“That’s what it’s all about, making their lives better for all those who want to participate in sport and change their lives like my brother,” said Lewis, who led the last leg of the Torch Run, carrying the Special Olympics Flame of Hope.

Toronto Sgt. Michael Puterbaugh is travelling to London to be at the Games, something he first did nearly 20 years ago. “It’s very humbling when you look at the athletes and see all the challenges that they have faced … you self-evaluate yourself,” Puterbaugh said, of being inspired by the athletes.
“They’re very courageous individuals.”

For more images, visit the gallery page on Facebook.

For a video, visit our YouTube page.