After a busy year that included the high school provincial games in Chatham-Kent, the Mike Currie Memorial Torch Run continues to raise thousands for the Special Olympics.
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Seventy participants gathered at Talbot Trail Place in Blenheim Saturday to run, walk or cycle various distances to raise money for the cause.
Although the morning weather was relatively cool, the rain held off, with co-organizer Catherine King pleased with the community response.
“We want to keep the legacy going and Mike’s driving passion for including individuals with intellectual disabilities in sports,” she said.
Currie, who was a retired Chatham-Kent police officer and longtime cancer survivor, died in the fall of 2022. He was involved in many initiatives over the years supporting the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
Saturday’s event consisted of a five or 10-kilometer run/walk, or a 30 or 60-kilometer timed bike ride through Blenheim and the surrounding area.
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Approximately $8,000 was raised, with all proceeds going to Special Olympics Ontario.
Although the run has taken part in various locations over the years, King said holding it in Blenheim offers advantages.
“I truly believe this is the most ideal location,” she said. “It’s central within Chatham-Kent, the park is big, beautiful and open. There’s a lot of space.”
In June, Special Olympics Ontario held its school championships at venues in Chatham and Ridgetown.
Geared to athletes aged 14 to 21, the games featured track and field, soccer, basketball, floor hockey, bocce ball and other competitions.
King believes hosting the games locally helped to raise the public’s awareness.
“It absolutely put a little more wind in the sails,” she said. “I still to this day don’t have the words to put together how important this past year has been, and how important having the games back in Chatham was.”
For more information on the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Ontario, visit https://www1.torchrunontario.com/
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