Looking back at the inspiring moments of 2023
Special Olympics BC athletes and programs are so grateful to have our friends from the Law Enforcement Torch Run always in our corner!
This year Special Olympics BC athletes and volunteers continued their dedicated participation and life-changing support of SOBC's year-round sport, youth, and health programs that matter so much to them.
We couldn't do it without you!
Let's look back at the many ways you championed Special Olympics athletes and inclusion in 2023!
2023 Polar Plunge for Special Olympics BC
From February 18 to March 5, law enforcement members and Special Olympics BC athletes and supporters from all across B.C. came together to take the Plunge, raising $330,000 for SOBC!
Plungers dove into freezing water, jumped into cold snow, braved icy showers, got blasted by water balloons, faced down fire hoses, and so much more – all for a good cause!
Read more about the 2023 Polar Plunge
Mark your calendars: The Polar Plunge for Special Olympics BC will be back in 2024! Plungers all over the province can join the fun from February 17 to March 3, and in-person Plunges will take place in Vancouver, Victoria, and more. Please see below for more dates and details.
2023 LETR Torch Run
Each year, BC LETR members come together in their communities to raise funds and awareness through run and walk events. They run shoulder to shoulder with SOBC athletes, carrying the Flame of Hope and spreading a message of respect and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities.
Heartfelt thanks to the BC Law Enforcement Torch Run for their dedication in raising funds and heart rates to support Special Olympics BC athletes in June 2023! Province-wide participants in the 2023 Torch Run had a blast being active to benefit Special Olympics BC’s determined athletes with intellectual disabilities and life-changing year-round programs.
Mark your calendars for the 2024 Torch Run, returning May 25 to June 9!
Sheri Lucas receives 2022 John Carion Unsung Hero Award
Big congratulations to Sheri Lucas for being awarded the 2022 John Carion Unsung Hero Award!
This award recognizes an individual's successful contributions to the LETR on a local, state/province, or community level.
Sheri has been supporting BC LETR events for over 20 years, raising significant funds and awareness for SOBC through her work with the Oak Bay Police Department and West Vancouver Police. She is known for making a difference for SOBC athletes and always striving to promote inclusion!
BC Law Enforcement Torch Run Award
The BC Law Enforcement Torch Run Award is presented annually to a Law Enforcement Torch Run member who has demonstrated significant dedication to the BC LETR and Special Olympics BC. Congratulations to our 2023 BC Law Enforcement Torch Run Award Winner, Det. Cam Mackay!
Congrats to the 2023 nominees:
- Cst. Azad Vizheh
- Cst. Dan Galano
- Officer Josh Burneau
- Sgt. Michelle Luca
For more information about the BC Law Enforcement Torch Run Award and how to nominate someone for the 2024 award, click here or contact Meg Ishida at mishida@specialolympics.bc.ca.
8th Annual Metro Vancouver Transit Police Charity Golf Tournament
On June 5, 2023, the Metro Vancouver Transit Police held their eighth annual charity golf tournament in support of SOBC. This year, the tournament raised $26,932.72! Thank you to all the participants and supporters who made this event so successful this year!
Cst. Lisa Bruschetta from Saanich PD proudly represented the B.C. LETR as a Final Leg runner at the Special Olympics World Summer Games Berlin 2023
“I felt truly blessed to have been selected to go to Berlin for the Final Leg, as the law enforcement representative for British Columbia," says Bruschetta. "We ran as a global force while enduring some fatigue and spectacular weather challenges, yet it was our athletes who showed us how to accomplish the goal no matter what was thrown our way."
"It was a profound journey for me, personally, to see the full effect of the years of fundraising and goal-setting. I am forever humbled by the athletes and their dedication to sportsmanship and athleticism."
So grateful to have Cst. Bruschetta represent B.C. at the 2023 World Games in Berlin! Click the link below to hear more from her in an interview conducted by SOBC Athlete Reporter Sheenagh Morrison!
Delta Police Department 24-Hour Relay
From 10 a.m. on September 9 to 10 a.m. on September 10, athletes, officers, and staff from all agencies and members of the public were invited to run or walk as many total laps as possible in 24 hours to raise funds for SOBC.
Thank you to Delta PD members and others in the community who participated in the 24-Hour Torch Relay for Special Olympics BC!
Cops, Pops, and Pizza returned to Boston Pizza restaurants across B.C.
So grateful to everyone who helped make the 2023 Cops, Pops, and Pizza campaign a big success!
BC Law Enforcement Torch Run champions and Special Olympics BC athletes raised funds and awareness at 18 Boston Pizza restaurants across the province. This event will make a difference for Special Olympics BC’s life-changing, year-round sport, youth, and health programs for people with intellectual disabilities.
Heartfelt thanks to Boston Pizza restaurants and customers for their support, and to all the SOBC athletes and BC LETR members who dedicated their time and energy to this campaign!
2023 LETR International Conference
From October 28 to 30, over 1,000 LETR members from around the world gathered in Chicago for three days of inspiring, motivational, and educational experiences. Attendees learned how they can continue to support and grow LETR initiatives in their home programs to support Special Olympics athletes in our communities.
B.C.'s delegates were:
- Cst. Estee Morris, Abbotsford PD
- Cst. Mariya Zhalovaga, Vancouver PD
- Sheri Lucas, retired Oak Bay PD
- Deputy Chief Leslie Stevens, Port Moody PD (and BC LETR Provincial Director)
After attending the LETR International Conference, one attendee said, “my experience attending the LETR International Conference was incredible and very fulfilling. By attending different sessions, I was able to learn more about LETR and how to increase the fundraising efforts. This conference impacted me in so many positive ways not only in my professional life but also in my personal life. I am forever grateful for the opportunity to attend this conference!”
Next year’s LETR International Conference is taking place in San Antonio, Texas from November 4 to 16, 2024.
Stay tuned for more information on when and how to apply or reach out to Meg Ishida at mishida@specialolympics.bc.ca with inquiries.
SOBC Merchandise Sale
In 2023, we launched our online store with a wide array of limited edition merchandise from our various events and competition. Snag amazing deals of shirts, hoodies, toques, to waterproof bags, there's something for everyone. Show off your new swag just in time for an exciting new season of sport with SOBC. Start browsing and snag incredible deals today!
BC LETR Executive Council
The BC LETR Executive Council provides guidance and leadership for LETR events and initiatives across British Columbia.
Provincial Updates
- Thank you to Warren Brown, Chief Superintendent, District Commander, North District RCMP who has now transferred out of province.
- Thank you to Mike Serr, Chief Constable, Abbotsford Police Department who has recently retired.
Full list of the BC LETR Executive Council
A look ahead to 2024
Special Olympics canada national Winter Games
The Special Olympics Canada National Games Calgary 2024 will bring together athletes from across the country from February 27 to March 2! 146 athletes, 50 coaches, and eight mission staff of the Special Olympics Team BC 2024 Training Squad are currently working hard in their hometown communities as they get ready to compete with pride and form lasting friendships on the national stage.
The tradition of the Final Leg Torch Run is for law enforcement officers to act as “Guardians of the Flame” and carry the Special Olympics Torch and "Flame of Hope" to the Opening Ceremonies at the National Games Games. Congratulations and thank you to Detective Constable Cam Mackay of the Vancouver Police Department who will be representing B.C. in the Final Leg at the 2024 National Games!
Learn more about SO Team BC 2024
2024 Polar Plunge
Save the date for next year's Polar Plunge events, happening in communities across B.C. from February 17 to March 3. More details coming soon!
Want to host an event? The 2024 Community Event Planning Guide provides information you may need! Contact Meg Ishida at mishida@specialolympics.bc.ca for further information and assistance.
Learn more about the 2024 Polar Plunge
2024 Torch Run
The 2024 Torch Run will be happening from May 25 to June 9. All agencies are encouraged to host their own events in their communities! Stay tuned for the 2024 Community Event Planning Guide or reach out to Meg for further information and assistance.
Learn more about the LETR Torch Run
2024 Vancouver BMO Marathon
Planning on running the BMO Marathon on May 5, 2024? You can register to fundraise for SOBC and receive a 20 per cent discount on your registration fee when you raise a minimum of $400!
Thank you!
Special Olympics BC sincerely thanks you for your impact in 2023, and looks forward to another year of changing lives with you in 2024. Wishing you and yours all happiness and health in the holiday season and throughout 2024!
To learn more about the positive impact of your support, please enjoy Special Olympics BC’s 2022-23 Impact Report.
If you have any questions, ideas, or feedback, please contact SOBC Events & Fundraising Manager Meg Ishida at mishida@specialolympics.bc.ca.
