The Special Olympics

Special Olympics stands as a leader in the field of intellectual disability and has sharpened the focus on its mission as not just "nice," but critical, not just as a sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities, but also as an effective catalyst for social change.  Children and adults with intellectual disabilities, who participate in Special Olympics exhibit boundless courage and enthusiasm, enjoy the rewards of friendship and ultimately discover not only new abilities and talents but "their voices" as well.



Special Olympics is founded on the belief that people with intellectual disabilities can, with proper instruction and encouragement, learn, enjoy and benefit from participation in individual and team sports.

Special Olympics is an unprecedented global movement which, through quality sports training and competition, improves the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and, in turn, the lives of everyone they touch.

Special Olympics empowers people with intellectual disabilities to realize their full potential and develop their skills through year-round sports training and competition.
As a result, Special Olympics athletes become fulfilled and productive members of their families and the communities in which they live.

For more details see the Ontario Special Olympics website.

The Torch Run

In its most general form, the Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run is a community based, province-wide event that sees the "Flame of Hope" being carried right across Ontario by members of Law Enforcement agencies from communities right across the province.  The objective of this and other events is to raise funds for, and awareness of, the Special Olympics movement in Ontario.

The Torch Run, in partnership with the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, encompasses a variety of fundraising vehicles such as donations or pledges for runners in the Torch Run, T-shirt or merchandise sales, corporate donations and special events.

The Torch Run Riders is a way for motorcycle enthusiasts to further participate in Torch Run endeavours.

All funds raised through Torch Run events are directed into program support that directly affects all community Special Olympics' programs. All Torch Run revenue is recorded and deposited into the Torch Run account held within our centralized banking system. Funds are then put into community programs and help pay for various expenses including games, travel, accommodation and meals, staff support to the field, grants to new community/club programs, volunteer and athlete training, administration and information/promotional materials and development initiatives such as the school program, which open up opportunities to new athletes. It is important to have one provincial fundraiser that helps SOO create an 'equitable' playing field. At SOO, small programs, large programs, big cities and small communities are treated with the same level of importance.

For more details please visit the Ontario Torch Run website.