2026 Winner: Sam Zacharias

His leadership, advocacy, and commitment to inclusion have helped grow the movement in his community while creating meaningful connections between law enforcement officers and Special Olympics athletes.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Zacharias has been named the 2026 BC Law Enforcement Torch Run Award recipient. This award recognizes a member who has demonstrated significant dedication to the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics BC and played a leadership role in advancing fundraising, awareness, and inclusion through initiatives such as Torch Runs, Polar Plunges, and other LETR events.

Zacharias first became involved in the movement in 2017 through events in Port Moody. In 2021, he became the Port Moody Police Department's media relations officer and took over leadership of the department's Torch Run activities. That same year, he organized PMPD's first-ever Polar Plunge.

Since then, the PMPD Polar Plunge has grown from just 10 police participants to an event that attracts hundreds of attendees and fundraising contributors, bringing together police agencies, local businesses, students, community members, and Special Olympics athletes from across the region. The annual post-plunge bonfire has become a community gathering that helps raise awareness and support for Special Olympics BC.

While the growth of PMPD's LETR events has been impressive, Zacharias' nominators say his greatest impact has been the relationships he has built with athletes.

"Local athletes know Sam and he keeps up with their lives and accomplishments. They see Sam as a local celebrity, so when he pays attention to their lives, they feel seen and included."

As PMPD's media relations officer, Zacharias has consistently used his platform to promote Special Olympics BC and highlight athlete achievements.

His commitment to inclusion started long before he became a police officer. Prior to joining PMPD, Zacharias worked in recreation, where he developed strong connections with local Special Olympics athletes and individuals with intellectual disabilities. Those experiences helped shape a lifelong commitment to inclusion that continues to guide his work today.

"Sam has always been a champion of inclusion."

Zacharias helped coordinate the Special Olympics BC LETR provincial workshops in 2025 and 2026, sharing the success of PMPD's grassroots approach to fundraising and community engagement. He also regularly presents to Justice Institute of British Columbia recruits about the history of the Special Olympics movement, the connection between law enforcement and athletes, and the importance of becoming involved in LETR within their own agencies.

His nominators also credit him with creating meaningful opportunities for athletes within the police community.

"Because of his role and influence within the community services section, Special Olympics athletes are now PMPD volunteers."

Special Olympics BC is proud to recognize Sam Zacharias with the 2026 BC Law Enforcement Torch Run Award, and congratulates all the 2026 award nominees for their outstanding dedication, leadership, and support of Special Olympics athletes across the province.