Photo courtesy Prince George RCMP

By Tommy Osborne

Torch Run

Only two more days until the Law Enforcement Torch Run!

Jul 7, 2025 | 5:03 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Prince George is gearing up for a week full of Special Olympics festivities as the City has officially announced it is Special Olympics week, and one of the big events coming up is the Law Enforcement Torch Run. It will take place on Wednesday, July 9, and will start at 10:30 a.m. at the RCMP Detachment and end at the CN Centre at around noon.

“This is, kind of the kickoff event to the Special Olympic Summer Games here in Prince George. We would love to have the community come out and just show their support for these events by attending the torch run, either somewhere along the route, or join us at CN Centre,” said Corporal Jennifer Cooper with the Prince George RCMP.

The route map. Courtesy Prince George RCMP

The Torch Run is actually an annual event, although this year is considerably bigger than before because of the provincial games. It’s led to a lot of excitement from the athletes and RCMP both, who are excited to celebrate this “final leg” type event in a considerably grander fashion than years past.

“Normally we do it as a little bit more of a cozy run, something like a traditional run and everybody finishes at their own pace. This year we’re going to be doing it all together, so you’ll see us all running or jogging in formation bearing the Flame of Hope through Prince George towards CN Centre. It’s going to be really exciting and an incredibly unique event to come and see,” Cooper said.

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Once the athletes arrive at the CN Centre there will be a barbecue by donation and live music, and Cooper says this is another great opportunity for the community not only to support our Special Olympics Athletes, but also just enjoy a fun event.

“It’s just going to be a super fun family event and a way to get to know and interact with the Special Olympics athletes. Ask them about their sport, ask them what they’re participating in, they love to talk about it. And it’s a great way to show our support for the hard work that they’ve been doing over the years to get ready for these games,” Cooper said.

Cooper adds its also something the police look forward to every year, and this year comes with the added benefit of being able to engage with the greater community at the barbecue, so the police are looking forward to spending time with both the Special Olympics community and its supporters.

“The police officers that come and attend this event always leave with a smile on their face, because the energy of these athletes is always so positive and encouraging, you can’t help but feeling uplifted when you’re finished interacting,” she said.

The Torch Run, which begins at 10:30 a.m. at the RCMP Detachment on July 9, is the first of several key moments for Special Olympics Week, with the Opening Ceremonies following it on July 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the CN Centre, before the games themselves get going on July 11.

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