**TEMISKAMING OPP MEDIA RELEASE**

On June 20, 2018, the members of the Temiskaming Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will be working in conjunction with Special Olympics Ontario, by holding a local Torch Run. 

All funds raised through Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run events are directed into program support that directly affects all community Special Olympic Ontario (SOO) programs. The funds are used to help pay for various expenses, including games, travel, accommodations, meals, staff support, grants to new community programs, volunteer and athlete training. At SOO, small programs, large programs, big cities and small communities are treated with the same level of importance. The development of Special Olympics Ontario is directly related to the success of the Torch Run.

This year, the Torch Run will commence at 10:00 a.m. at McDonalds Restaurant, at 83350 Highway 65 W, Dymond Township, and conclude at the Don Shepherdson Memorial Arena, located at 75 Wellington Street, New Liskeard, Ontario. All ages are welcome to attend the run and show their support.

Following the run, there will be a BBQ and car wash at 11:00 a.m. that will be held at the Temiskaming Detachment on Armstrong Street, to raise funds for our local athletes. You can also show your support by purchasing a Torch Run T-shirt for $20 from the Temiskaming Detachment, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Please come join us for a bite to eat and have your car washed. 

Last year’s Torch Run raised $2079 for local athletes. Let’s try and make this year’s event even better than last, and try to surpass that goal.

For further information on this event, please contact Detective Constable Michael Audette at 705-647-8400 or visit: http://www1.specialolympicsontario.com/torch-run/.