The Prince George RCMP are hosting the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics and say this year’s event will be bigger than ever.
The 2025 run is being held in conjunction with the BC Special Olympics, and the RCMP will be hosting a “final-leg” style event, which is typically held ahead of World Special Olympics competitions.
“This is a way for law enforcement officers to interact with our Special Olympics athletes in a fun, low-pressure setting that really allows us to just make some connections that otherwise we may not have the opportunity to make with our Special Olympics athletes in our community,” said Cpl. Jennifer Cooper.
This year, the RCMP is opening the run to all first responders in Prince George who are interested in participating. Cooper said there are already about 20 runners signed up.
“It'll be a couple of different types of organizations. I think we have at least one paramedic who’s signed up. Perhaps some firefighters might join us,” she said.
The Final Leg Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics will take place on Wednesday, July 9.
Runners will leave the Prince George RCMP detachment at 10:30 a.m. and arrive at CN Centre around noon.
“We would be thrilled to see people lining the race route as we bring the Flame of Hope from the Prince George RCMP detachment to CN Centre. Bring out your noisemakers, your cowbells, your abundant enthusiasm as we support our Special Olympics athletes in this event. Then, come and join us at CN Centre for a community barbecue by donation, hosted by the Four Rivers Co-op,” said Cooper.
Cooper added that public support is more important than ever now that the event has grown to include athletes competing in the Special Olympics.
“Their support is important because the athletes deserve recognition for all the hard work they put in preparing for these games and their chosen events they do every year,” she said. “If they want to come out, line the route, cheer us on as we go — we’ll be posting the route map a little ahead of the run. It will be available on our website and all of our socials.”
