Roger Steadman, one of the longest serving members of PEI's Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, was recently named the first ever LETR Member of Year.
For over 20 years Roger has dedicated himself to the PEI LETR committee. In August of 2020, after almost 12 years as Chair of the committee, Roger moved into the Past-Chair role.
Throughout his time on the PEI LETR committee Roger has worked tirelessly towards the goal of having more agencies involved in PEI LETR, all with the overarching goal of raising more awareness and monies for Special Olympics athletes.
In his professional role as Park Warden with Parks Canada Roger has been able to connect with the PEI Chiefs of Police Association. He made use of this opportunity as a platform to education and gain endorsement from this influential group of law enforcement representatives. In 2018, Roger was successful in securing PEI LETR as “Charity of Choice” for the PEI Chiefs of Police Association.
One of Roger’s favorite memories from his 20 years of service on the PEI LETR committee is representing PEI at the 2016 Final Leg for the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Corner Brooke, Newfoundland. He often speaks about this experience with a huge smile as he remembers meeting athletes in many communities. It was an experience he was eager to share with others, and why he advocated for PEI to host a Final Leg in 2018 for the Special Olympics Canada Bowling Championships.
PEI’s Law Enforcement Torch Run
The PEI Law Enforcement Torch Run is made up of members across 10 agencies across the Island. This group of dedicated individuals raises thousands of dollars for Special Olympics PEI programs each year. They have been an active partner of Special Olympics PEI for more than 25 years (since 1991), during which time they have raised over $275,000 to enrich the lives of Island athletes. From Polar Plunges to Truck Convoys, and other annual events, representatives from these agencies have come together, dedicating their personal time to fundraise and support Special Olympics PEI athletes. They are helping create more inclusive communities! Anyone can participate in their LETR fundraising community events. To check out upcoming events stay connected with their Website and Facebook Page
Agencies currently represented: Atlantic Police Academy, Charlottetown Police Services, Conservations, Corrections, Youth Justice Services, Highway Safety, Parks Canada, RCMP, Summerside Police Services, UPEI Security Services.
LETR Around the World
An international organization, the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is the largest public awareness and grassroots fundraising organization for Special Olympics globally. The Torch Run™ itself is an event in which officers run the Flame of Hope™ into an Opening Ceremony at local, national and world competitions. As retired Chief Richard LaMunyon once said, “What started …as a flicker of hope for Special Olympics has now become a roaring flame of stability for Special Olympics athletes worldwide.”
