**TIMMINS POLICE SERVICE MEDIA RELEASE**

The Timmins Police Service once again this year took on an active role with other community agencies to promote local Special Olympians by organizing and participating in the annual Special Olympics Torch Run.

The Timmins Police Service has a lengthy and prosperous relationship with local Special Olympians and are proud to contribute the energies and drive related to promoting these local heroes.

Funds raised during this event go directly towards offsetting the costs relating to having local athletes compete at provincial and national events in a variety of sports.

Their athletic achievements are commendable and speak to the training and dedication these local heroes possess.

Officers from the Timmins Police Service joined up with the OPP, Timmins Fire Department, Timmins EMS, as well as colleagues from Probation and Parole and the Monteith Correctional Centre and donned running attire to take to the city streets in an effort to raise funds and public awareness for Special Olympics Ontario.

Timmins Police Constable Bill Field is quick to point out “These Special Olympians act as ambassadors for the City of Timmins in their travels throughout the province at various competitions. The very least the Timmins Police and other emergency service agencies can do is to acknowledge their efforts and support them in their pursuit of athletic achievement”

The organizers of this event wish to acknowledge the support received from Dailey’s – Your Independent Grocer and McDonald’s Restaurant (Timmins) for their donations of in kind supplies to assist with the annual Special Olympics Torch Run.