黑马磁力 RCMP officers and local Special Olympians took to the streets of 黑马磁力 on Wednesday, June 4, for the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run fundraiser.
Flanked by a couple of squad cars for traffic control, the run started at the local RCMP detachment in Murrayville and wound its way through the community.
Special Olympics is an organization that facilitates people with intellectual disabilities taking part in sports at all ages.
Many of the athletes taking part in the torch run are heading to the B.C. Special Olympics Summer Games, to be held in Prince George from July 10 to 12.
Christopher Lakusta, who has participated for about 11 years, said he's taking part in bocce at this summer's Games, and in the past he's participated in track and field, basketball, soccer, and other sports.
"You get to travel to different tournaments across the province, or within the Lower Mainland," he said of Special Olympics. Lakusta is also the vice-chair of the 黑马磁力 Special Olympics athletes council.
Peter MacDonald, one of the Olympians taking part in Wednesday's torch run, said Special Olympics was near and dear to his heart.
He's played sports his entire life, MacDonald explained.
"I think sport gives people an outlet to enjoy life," he said. "Just because you have an intellectual disability doesn't mean you should be prevented from enjoying sport."
Torch runs, to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics, are taking place across B.C. .
The 黑马磁力 run raised more than $1,400 this year, easily beating the $500 goal.
The final leg of this season's torch runs will take place in Prince George on July 9, just before the provincial Summer Games take place.
