MINDEMOYA—The annual Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Torch Run was held in Mindemoya last Thursday, with participation from police officers and the students at Central Manitoulin Public School (CMPS) in Mindemoya.
Manitoulin OPP Provincial Constable Berkley Parisien explained, “This is the largest public awareness vehicle and grassroots fundraiser for the Special Olympics.”
Janet Anning of Mindemoya is the co-ordinator and coach for Manitoulin Special Olympics (MSO). “The Law Enforcement runs the Torch Run. It is a way that they assist special Olympics to run provincial games. There is a Torch Run held before every major games, provincial, national and world games.”
“At the provincial games, officers from Ontario, at the National Games, from all across Canada and at the World Games, police from all over the world help out. It is awesome to see,” said Ms. Anning. “We have used the Torch Run as a network with the children and OPP and Central Manitoulin Public School in particular. They have been very inclusive and supportive.”
Ms. Anning is the recipient of the Ontario Senior of the Year Award for Central Manitoulin. Mayor Richard Stephens spoke highly of this remarkable woman.
“Janet has been a beacon of community spirit for decades,” said Mayor Stephens. “Her tireless support for the Manitoulin Special Olympics, the organizer of the popular Bluegrass in the Country fundraising festival and her passion for inclusion and her ability to get things done make her a true inspiration.”
by Betty Bardswich
