Law enforcement officers and community members from Cobourg and Port Hope participated in the 2025 Law Enforcement Torch Run today, supporting Special Olympics Ontario.
The event commenced at 11:00 a.m. in Port Hope, with participants running, walking, and biking a 5-kilometre route from the Port Hope Police Service to the town’s Giant Tiger store. At 12:15 p.m., the Torch Run continued in Cobourg, starting at the Giant Tiger on Elgin Street and proceeding down King Street to conclude at Community Living on Cottesmore Avenue. Community members lined the streets, cheering on the participants as they carried the Flame of Hope.
Manager of the Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run, Derek Spence tells us how it all started.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run is a global initiative involving over 97,000 law enforcement members, known as Guardians of the Flame, who raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics athletes. In Ontario alone, the program supports over 26,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities, promoting inclusion and empowerment through sports.
Spence tells us these runs are about raising awareness and funds for Special Olympics athletes.
According to Spence, local runs are about more than just fund raising.
To further support the cause, both Cobourg and Port Hope police services are selling limited-edition 2025 Torch Run coins for $20 each, featuring designs of their cruisers. Coins are available at both police stations, with all proceeds benefiting Special Olympics Ontario. Donations can also be made online throughout the month at letrontario.crowdchange.ca/70120.
For more information on the Law Enforcement Torch Run and how to support Special Olympics Ontario, visit letrontario.crowdchange.ca/70120.
(Written by: Joseph Goden with files from York Bell-Smith)