Special Olympic national games bringing torch to Miner’s Marsh
Prior to the beginning of the Special Olympic National Games, being held in Antigonish at the end of July, the Nova Scotia Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) will raise awareness across the province.
Law enforcement torch runners, representing each province and territory in Canada, will carry the Flame of Hope across the province, visiting many communities along the way.
On July 27, beginning between 4 and 4:30 p.m., the LETR members and Special Olympic athletes will run the torch through Miner’s Marsh. Also taking part in the Kentville run will be Kentville Police Chief Julia Cecchetto and Kentville Mayor Sandra Snow.
In an interview, Mark Mander, a retired Kentville police chief and LETR Nova Scotia provincial director, talked about the importance of the event and said he’s honoured to have to opportunity to work alongside the Special Olympics and athletes.
“It’s an important event because Special Olympians are important,” said Mander.
“For me, it’s certainly a way of giving back to the community, but it’s also an honour you know, you feel honoured working with Special Olympic athletes. Certainly, they’re people who have challen- ges in their lives and they’re able to overcome those challenges and be a competitive athlete.”
Mander added that he feels Special Olympic athletes truly understand the value of participation and good sportsmanship.
“When you talk about competitive athletes, they truly get it, you know, I’ve seen events where they’re cheering each other on. We don’t do that normally in competitive sports, we don’t cheer each other on,” said Mander.
“But no matter how well, or not well they do, they’re always happy, because they try and do their best, and that’s what it really comes down to, being happy and having fun doing what you enjoy.”
Mander encourages everyone to attend the free event to watch, support, and cheer on the law enforcement runners and Special Olympic athletes who will be taking part. The LETR supports Special Olympic athletes in their journey for excellence. Their mandate is to raise money and awareness for athletes locally, nationally, and internationally.
LETR is the largest public awareness and grassroots fundraising organization for Special Olympics globally. It holds a number of year-round fundraising and awareness events in communities across Canada and are supported by the Canadian Asso- ciation of Chiefs of Police (CACP) who have been an active partner of Special Olympics Canada since 1981.
The Torch Run is the most wellknown event that LETR hosts. During the event, officers run the Flame of Hope into an opening ceremony at local, regional and national competitions. Grown to include a wide range of regional and national events, LETR has raised more than $63 million in Canada since its inception.