THUNDER BAY, Ont. – Local Special Olympics student athletes now have more opportunities to hone their bocce ball skills.
Members with Law Enforcement Torch Run Ontario delivered bocce ball sets to various local elementary and high schools that participate in Special Olympics programs. The bocce ball purchases were the result of a LETR fundraising initiative last year.
“I’m really proud of (the athletes) and excited for them to have this opportunity,” said Lauren Provenzano, a special education teacher with St. Patrick High School. “I really see them shine. It’s creating that well-rounded student.”
Paul Sebesta, a special needs teacher at Ecole Gron Morgon, echoes those sentiments.
“(The athletes) having access to these bocce balls really does give them a chance to participate and be part of the school community,” Sebesta said.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run is a public awareness and grass-roots funding organization for the Special Olympics. Its members are made up of law enforcement officials from a variety of agencies including the Thunder Bay Police Service, OPP, RCMP, NAPS, MNR, CN Police, CP Police, Correctional Services and Canada Border Services Agency.
Since its inception in Ontario, the LETR has raised more than $35 million, increased participation and changed millions of attitudes.
