Windsor police officers were among those across Essex County showing support for Special Olympics Ontario.
The 2019 Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics took place at various locations across the county Tuesday. The torch run, which involves law enforcement agencies from across Canada and the United States, is the largest fundraiser for Special Olympics.
The Windsor leg of the run is named after Troy Klyn, a senior constable with Windsor police who was an avid runner. He helped coordinate the Torch Run in Windsor for years before his sudden death in 2006.
Before a group of law-enforcement officers, volunteers and city employees began a run through the downtown core. Police Chief Al Frederick congratulated them as he led his final Torch Run before retirement.
"I can tell you with all sincerity that each year, when we gather here on this day, with all these law-enforcement partners here, for a common cause, it just gives me the goosebumps," said Frederick.
Constable Adam Young, a coordinator for the run, said the run continues the tradition by bringing Special Olympics centre-stage.
"What we're here to do is raise money and awareness for Special Olympics," said Young. "So the more people we can partner within the community, the more exposure we can get. The more the message gets out there, the better it is for Special Olympics Ontario. It's a great organization to help people with intellectual disabilities."
Essex County participants began the day in Leamington, then moved on through Kingsville and Essex before hitting Windsor Crossing outlet mall in LaSalle. They stopped in Amherstburg before the event in downtown Windsor. Stops were scheduled for the afternoon in Tecumseh and Lakeshore.
Visit the Special Olympics official website for complete information about the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
Participants in the Windsor leg of the 2019 Law Enforcement Torch Run on Chatham Street East, May 28, 2019. Photo by Mark Brown/Blackburn News.