Special Olympics fundraisers honoured
More than $70K raised last year for local athletes
Shane Magee
Northern News Services
Published Friday, October 24, 2014
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
An international award was presented to a local group that raises money for Special Olympics athletes, recognizing the group for its fundraising efforts.
The NWT chapter of the Law Enforcement Torch Run was given a second place award this year for raising the second most money per capita globally, behind the New York chapter. The torch run is an international organization of law enforcement agencies that raise money for Special Olympics. More than 96,000 officers are involved around the world. In the NWT, agencies range from RCMP officers, firefighters, the Canadian Coast Guard, military members and municipal bylaw officers.
Lea Martin, the executive director of the NWT chapter, said it was amazing to see the territory honoured for its work. A plaque was presented last week during a ceremony at city hall.
"We beat out 46 countries," she said. "So that's pretty amazing. We're pretty proud of our Law Enforcement Torch Run committee and volunteers."
Approximately $70,000 was raised through its events like the Herc Pull and Freezin' for a Reason Polar Plunge last year.
In 2013, the group was also recognized for its efforts. It received a first place award for fundraising and a second place award for the largest growth in fundraising.
This year the group, which began in 2006, has raised more than $45,000 so far, Martin said.
The money stays in the territory, supporting program development, facility rental and athlete travel, Martin said.
There are 50 Special Olympics athletes in the territory but not all athletes compete, Martin said.
"It's really about them socializing and overcoming a lot of difficulties through sport," she said.
Yellowknife bylaw officer Const. Greg Brown was part of the torch run to Vancouver, where the 2014 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games were held. Seven athletes from the NWT took part, Martin said.
Brown carried the torch representing the territory through 18 different communities in the B.C. in the lower mainland for four days.
"It was a once in a lifetime experience. It was incredible to see the amount of athletes," he said.
He says he got involved in the torch run after being asked by Martin.
"I'm humbled that we received these awards," Brown said at the city hall event last Friday. "There's a lot of time and effort that have gone into these events. But it also speaks volumes about the partnerships that we have here in Yellowknife."
- with files from Cody Punter
