TORCH RUN LOSES A DEAR FRIEND

DetectiveSergeant Catherine (Mary) Heaney – Peel Regional Police 
25 April, 2008

It is with great sadness and heartfelt sympathy that we announce the sudden passing of Catherine Heaney a dear friend and supporter of the Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Catherine was involved in many facets of the Torch Run since 1988, the year that she joined Peel Regional Police Service.  She was the Torch Run Co-ordinator of Zone 3 for many years, encouraging and educating not only the members of her own police service, but everyone she came in contact with, about HOW and WHY they should “get involved”.  Her passion and spirit for Torch Run and Special Olympics was infectious and easily spread amongst those individuals who were fortunate to know and work with her.  Catherine, together with the dedicated Torch Run “team” at PRP really did make a difference in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. 

She became a great friend and confidante with many Special Olympics Athletes and their families and in particular with Arthur Rea, Jr. and Troy Ford-King – Athlete Ambassadors of the Torch Run for many years.


In June of 2006 Catherine received the prestigious Torch Run "Award of Honour" at the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police Conference in Hamilton, Ontario, joining a long list of people who, like Catherine, dedicated countless hours of volunteerism to raising funds and awareness of the program.  In July, 2006 Catherine was selected as the runner for Ontario to be a part of the Final Leg of the Torch Run at the Special Olympics Canada National Summer Games in Brandon, Manitoba.  

Boston Pizza - “Police Serving You” Promotion:
Many people are aware and have participated in this province wide fundraiser – now in its very successful third year.  What many people are perhaps not aware of is that Torch Run was able to launch this fundraiser provincially due to Catherine’s tenacity in implementing this event locally with Boston Pizza locations throughout Peel Region.  This event became such a success that a proposal was made to Boston Pizza International to take “Police Serving You” across Ontario – the rest is history!  To date this fun, interactive event has raised in excess of $80,000 for Special Olympics.



The Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics has lost a dear and special friend.  Catherine will be deeply missed by all those who paths were fortunate to have crossed with hers.  Forever in our memories and our hearts.
2008 FINAL LEG – PROVINCIAL SPRING GAMES (DURHAM REGION) – MAY 29TH
Please mark this important date in your calendar.  As many of you know, Opening Ceremonies at Provincial Games would not be the same without the Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg.
This year’s games are being hosted by Durham Regional Police and they have been exceptionally busy over the past couple of months, ensuring that everything is in place for the Final Leg on Thursday, May 29th.  The attached map and accommodation form will give you a little more information on the location of Durham College and the planned route for the Final Leg.
If your schedule permits, please try and stay an extra night or two and take in the excitement and exhilaration of the games … perhaps be involved in medal presentations.  Take a moment to review the registration forms (Final Leg Registration & Accommodation request) and fax it back directly to the contact person shown on the bottom of each form.
Where possible, arrange to arrive at the Final Leg with a marked vehicle to be part of the Final Leg procession from the Oshawa Centre to the campus of Durham College.   We look forward to seeing everyone at the Spring Games.  Please show your support and commitment by ensuring that your Service/Agency has appropriate representation at this event.  
Let the Games Begin …. See you on the 29th.  
2008 Torch Run Final Leg Registration Form (PDF)
Durham College/UOIT Campus Map (PDF)
Welcome to the Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run … we’re not just a “Run” … we truly make a difference in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities…
The mission of the Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Ontario is to raise funds for and awareness of the Special Olympics' movement across the province.
The Torch Run, in partnership with the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, encompasses a variety of fundraising vehicles such as donations or pledges that benefit the athletes in Ontario, with an intellectual disability, involved in Special Olympics' programs. These fundraising initiatives include, but are not limited to: individual donations, corporate donations, foundation grants, government grants, sponsorship and support from service clubs, educational institutions and special events.
All funds raised through Torch Run events are aimed at program support that directly affects all community-based Special Olympics programs. Funds are channeled into community programs and assist with a variety of expenses including games travel, accommodation, meals, staff support to the field, grants to new community programs, volunteer and athlete training, administration and information/promotional materials and development initiatives like school programs (which opens up opportunities to new younger athletes).  It’s important to have one provincial fundraiser that helps SOO create an “equitable” playing field.  At SOO, small programs, large programs, big cities and small communities are treated with the same level of importance.  The development of Special Olympics Ontario is directly related to the continued success of the Torch Run.
It is through the dedication, commitment and passion of the men and women in Law Enforcement that enables the Ontario program to continue to be not only the #1 fundraising arm for Special Olympics Ontario, but a world-class program recognized Internationally for raising in excess of $1,000,000 for a number of years – most recently (November, 2007) receiving the “Diamond Level of Excellence” Award at the International Law Enforcement Torch Run in Oklahoma City.  
Congratulations to everyone who makes this possible.  Let’s keep the flame of hope burning brightly for many more years to come!