The first ever Mike Currie Memorial Run was a record-setter.
The Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics was renamed after the Chatham-Kent police officer who helped start the local Torch Run. Mike Currie passed away unexpectedly last year while travelling overseas.
A record number of walkers, runners, and cyclists took to the streets of Blenheim on Saturday, September 9.
"We have over 110 participants, which is by far the highest ever, more than double our participants that we've ever had," said Chatham-Kent police Sgt. Jason Herder. "I think that just speaks volumes of just the support for everything that Mike Currie did over his 30+ years with Special Olympics and the Torch Run."
Herder added that it was also a record-setting year for fundraising.
"It's our highest total ever, we're at $13,500 raised. 100 per cent of the proceeds are going directly into the 2024 Special Olympic School Championships Games in Chatham-Kent."
Those games will take place in June 2024.
"A fundraiser like this is monumental to get us going to where we need to be for the Games next year," said Herder. "We're certainly overwhelmed, and it's a humbling experience just to see everyone show up for the event."
Herder added that more fundraisers are planned, including the Polar Plunge in January 2024.
