An Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) officer known for charitable work has been given a tremendous honour.
In recognition of his many years of working with Special Olympics Ontario, Constable Jim Chauvin has been chosen to represent Ontario in the "final leg" of the torch relay at the Special Olympics World Games in Torino, Italy. The Games are from March 8 to March 15.
He will be part of the relay's finale, when the flame is brought into the stadium before being lit to kick off the Games.
Chauvin has been working with the Law Enforcement Torch Run since 2001. He had instantly found his calling after meeting athletes who participated that year and has been an advocate ever since.
He is now the local coordinator of the Torch Run and has in the past worked as a zone coordinator and as a member of the provincial operations committee.
Chauvin has also been involved with the annual Polar Plunge, a popular winter event where people jump into a pool of freezing water to raise money for the Torch Run. Since its inception, the Polar Plunge has raised over $500,000.
He has also been involved with organizing charity hockey games featuring NHL alumni and motorcycle rides.
Torino, dubbed the Italian "Motor City" due to its place in the European automotive industry, hosted the 2006 Olympic Winter Games.
To learn more about the Special Olympics World Games and see the athletes representing Canada, visit the Games' official website.