2025 Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics BC Year in Review
For 35 years, the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics BC has been a powerful force for positive change in communities throughout British Columbia.
In 2025, the BC LETR continued its commitment to supporting year-round Special Olympics sport, youth, and health programs for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, leaving a lasting impact on 55 communities across the province.
With the help of the LETR, Special Olympics BC athletes created strong friendships and pursued the sports and programs that matter so much to them. Let's reflect on the incredible ways that LETR members have championed Special Olympics BC athletes and the spirit of inclusion in 2025!
2025 Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge® for Special Olympics BC
Across our province, hundreds of brave participants made a splash for an incredible cause in the 2025 Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge® for Special Olympics BC.
The 2025 event shattered records, raising over $350,000 for Special Olympics BC athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Funds raised help make it possible for Special Olympics BC athletes to access meaningful year-round sport, youth, and health programs and competitions at low or no cost.
Mark your calendars! The Polar Plunge returns February 21 to March 8, 2026.
Find out more and register below. If you're interested in hosting a Polar Plunge event in your community, please contact SOBC Fundraising Events Manager Meg Ishida at mishida@specialolympics.bc.ca.
2025 Special Olympics World Games Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg
Port Moody Police Department Deputy Chief Leslie Ogston, who also serves as the BC LETR Provincial Director and a valued member of the Special Olympics BC Board of Directors, proudly represented British Columbia on the 2025 Special Olympics World Games LETR Final Leg in Italy!
As part of the Final Leg team, made up of law enforcement and Special Olympics athletes from around the globe, Deputy Chief Ogston carried the Flame of Hope through communities across Italy, helping raise awareness and unify people around the power of inclusion and sport.
Once the Flame of Hope reached the Opening Ceremony, the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games officially began, and 22 B.C. athletes were among the passionate competitors giving it their all and showcasing their skills on the world stage!
2025 BC Law Enforcement Torch Run Award
For over 13 years, Staff Sergeant Michelle Luca of RCMP – Pitt Meadows has been a passionate and dedicated member of the BC LETR. Her leadership, commitment, and tireless support of the LETR’s mission have made a lasting impact on her community.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Sgt. Luca was named the 2025 recipient of the BC Law Enforcement Torch Run Award, an honor that celebrates exemplary dedication and advocacy within the LETR movement for Special Olympics.
Congratulations to Sgt. Luca and the 2025 nominees, North Vancouver RCMP’s Constable Azad Vizheh and Port Moody Police Department’s Constable Sam Zacharias.
International Association of Chiefs of Police’s 40 Under 40 Award
Congratulations to Port Moody Police Department Constable Sam Zacharias on being named one of the IACP’s prestigious 40 Under 40 award recipients! This honour recognizes emerging leaders in law enforcement who demonstrate exceptional commitment, innovation, and professionalism.
Cst. Zacharias is a passionate and dedicated member of the BC LETR, where he plays a key leadership role in organizing and championing LETR events within his community. His hard work and support for Special Olympics athletes are truly appreciated.
Rob Plunkett Law Enforcement Torch Run Award
Special Olympics BC is proud to celebrate longtime BC LETR member Sheri Lucas, who won the Rob Plunkett Law Enforcement Torch Run Award through the 2025 Special Olympics Canada Awards! This national recognition celebrates her decades of making a difference for Special Olympics BC athletes through vital fundraising, advocacy, and volunteering efforts.
Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg for the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games in Prince George
Supporters cheered on law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes as they ran the Flame of Hope across Prince George on July 9 to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics! Community members came together meaningfully over the run and lunch to share the excitement of the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games.
On the following day, RCMP Cpl. Jennifer Cooper and Special Olympics BC – Prince George athlete Greg Cole provided a powerful moment of inspiration when they joyfully lit the cauldron to conclude the Opening Ceremony and officially open the Games. From July 10 to 12, the 2025 Special Olympics BC Summer Games provided a memorable display of the abilities of athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities and the power of inclusion.
Thank you to the BC LETR Executive Council
The BC LETR Executive Council, led by Port Moody PD Deputy Chief Ogston, provides guidance and leadership for LETR events and initiatives across British Columbia.
Heartfelt thanks to Chief Del Manak who retired from the Victoria Police Department in August 2025, after many years of sharing his passionate, powerful, and creative support of Special Olympics athletes and leadership for inclusion. We extend a warm welcome and gratitude to our newest BC LETR Executive member, Victoria Police Department Deputy Chief Constable Michael Brown!
Thank you to our BC LETR Regional Coordinators
BC LETR Regional Coordinators support LETR members and law enforcement agencies within their regions, with a focus on the success and growth of LETR events and initiatives.
Thank you to our Regional Coordinators:
- Region 3, 4, and 5 (Lower Mainland): Joanne Wild
- Region 6 (Vancouver Island): Lisa Greenwood
There are currently Regional Coordinator vacancies for Region 1 (Kootenays), Region 2 (Okanagan), and Region 7 and 8 (Northern BC). Reach out to Meg Ishida at mishida@specialolympics.bc.ca to learn more!
See your impact
Read our most recent Impact Report to understand how you help thousands of athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities find joy, friendship, and belonging.
A look ahead to 2026
Save the date for the BC LETR Provincial Workshop
The BC LETR Provincial Workshop will bring together LETR members from across the province to learn about Special Olympics and LETR events and initiatives, including ideas for hosting events and increasing success of events.
Delegates preparing for LETR National Conference
Meet the B.C. delegates attending the LETR Kickoff Conference in Ontario!
- Leslie Ogston, Port Moody Police Department
- Azad Vizheh, North Vancouver RCMP
- Christie Dixon, Port Moody Police Department
- Estee Clifford, Abbotsford Police Department
- Ian Diack, Victoria Police Department
- Joanne Wild, Vancouver Police Department (Retired)
- Mary Bouwman, Abbotsford Police Department
- Naim Turk, BC Sheriff Service
- Paul Lamoureux, Saanich Police Department (Retired)
- Sheri Lucas, Oak Bay Police Department (Retired)
Fundraising events in 2026
2025 Law Enforcement Torch Run® Polar Plunge® for Special Olympics BC
Anyone and everyone can #Plunge4SOBC and fundraise with family, friends, and community members to change lives through the power and joy of sport!
- Vancouver Island – February 22
- Abbotsford – February 24
- Ridge Meadows – February 26
- Cranbrook – February 28
- Rocky Point – February 28
- Chilliwack – March 4
- Kamloops – March 5
- Surrey – March 7
- Vancouver – March 7
Stay tuned for more events coming soon, which can be found online below. Interested in hosting an event? Contact Meg Ishida at mishida@specialolympics.bc.ca
2025 Torch Run®
The 2026 Torch Run will return from May 22 to June 7!
Run for Special Olympics BC
Participate in these running events in support of Special Olympics BC!
Special Olympics Canada Summer Games and the Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg
The Special Olympics Team BC 2026 Training Squad is working toward competing with pride at the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games set to be held in Medicine Hat, Alberta, from August 11 to 15, 2026.
Stay tuned for details about the Final Leg at these National Games!