Submitted by Special Olympics
For the past five years, the recruits that come through the Ontario Police College in Aylmer have had the opportunity to play a variety of sports against Special Olympics London athletes.
“We usually head out to Aylmer two times a year,” says Special Olympics Floor Hockey Manager, Suzanne Walker. “It’s a competitive event that the athletes always look forward to.”
This past January, the Special Olympics athletes headed to Aylmer to compete in powerlifting, floor hockey and bocce. Some of the bocce athletes are also competing at the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Vancouver this summer, so they were glad to have the opportunity to hone their skills.
“This was the best attended event yet,” Walker said. “There were recruits competing with our athletes in each sport, and there was a large group of recruits in the bleachers cheering everyone on.”
It’s an event that benefits both the Special Olympics athletes and the Ontario Police College recruits.
“The sports night is an opportunity for the recruits to interact and play with the athletes in various sporting events,” says Lori Neufeld, Team Leader, Physical Training and Wellness Education at the Ontario Police College. “To date, we have hosted games of floor hockey, bocce, swimming, baseball and power lifting at OPC. Since many police officers are sports-minded, this evening provides an opportunity for fun, friendly competition.
“At the start of their policing career, it is the recruits’ first exposure to the link between the Law Enforcement community and Special Olympics Ontario. Perhaps some will return to their respective communities and get involved as a coach, mentor or trainer.”
Walker agrees, adding, “Many of these recruits will now have an appreciation for the passion which Special Olympics athletes bring to their sports and to life. Hopefully these fun encounters also encourage the recruits to become involved with the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics in their own community.”
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