A London police officer will represent Canada's law enforcement personnel on the other side of the world by carrying the "Flame of Hope" for the 2019 Special Olympics World Games.
Sergeant Derek Spence, a 32-year veteran of the London Police Service, will travel to Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates in March to carry the torch in the final leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run. The torch run will be held on March 14 as part of the Special Olympics opening ceremonies.
“I'm humbled to be chosen to represent the many dedicated and passionate law enforcement members of Torch Run Ontario,” said Spence. “To be a part of the opening ceremonies of the World Special Olympics Summer Games, and share in the excitement with all of the talented and inspiring athletes, is an absolute honour, and I can hardly wait!”
Spence, along with Special Olympics athlete Stephen Graham, will be the ones to carry the torch, and they will serve as "Guardians of the Flame" with another 96 law enforcement officers and ten Special Olympics athletes who will participate in the run throughout the UAE.
Spence has been actively involved in the torch run for 28 years, is a "massive honour".
“The members of this organization are so committed to the cause, and give so much of themselves, that I feel humbled to represent them at an event of this magnitude," he said. "I’m really looking forward to meeting other Law Enforcement members from around the world, who have the same passion for the movement as I do."
The torch run is supported by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and has been an active partner of Special Olympics Canada since 1981.