Belleville Police raise funds for Special Olympics Ontario

By Linda Horn

BELLEVILLE ONT (24/05/2011) Hannah Freeland helps volunteers empty the money tins at the Belleville Law Enforcement Torch Run. Proceeds from The Torch Run go to supporting the Special Olympics Ontario. In addition to money the organizers of the event hope to raise awareness about the Special Olympics. Photo by Linda Horn

Belleville Police service raised funds and awareness for Special Olympics Ontario at this year’s Law Enforcement Torch run.

The run has been held in communities all over Ontario since 1987. All money raised goes to the Special Olympics programs in the local community.

Members of the community, Special Olympic athletes, and Belleville police met at the Qunite Mall on May 24 to kick off this year’s run. With donation cans in hand, the group ran down North Front Street to Market Square asking bystanders for donations.

Along with the money collected along the route, others raised funds before the run. Kai Freeland, a Special Olympic athlete, raised $100 by asking people at a local school he volunteers at.  Freeland has won medals at both summer and winter Special Olympics, and is hoping to be selected for the 2012 Olympics being held in Kingston.

Julie Forestell, spokesperson for Belleville Police service, said they raised about $2,000 but the increasing awareness is the bigger goal. The program need volunteers, people who can coach, and help run local programs, said Forestell.

For more information on Special Olympics Ontario go to www.specialolympicsontario.com

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