(PERTH COUNTY, ON) On Saturday June 18, 2011, Perth County OPP officers organized the first ever “Torch Run Co-ed Slo-pitch Tournamentâ€. The event was held at the Sebringville ball diamonds and saw five teams participate.
The five teams were made up by officers from the North Perth OPP, South Perth OPP, South Bruce OPP, Metro Toronto Police and everyone’s favourite “Constable Tony Martin’s friends†from North Perth. A number of “Special Olympians†also came out and joined the teams making for a super fun filled day.
Numerous businesses donated fantastic prizes, which added to the excitement. West Jet supplied two tickets to anywhere they fly. Officers donated Blue Jay tickets while M&M Stratford made a significant food donation. Wildwood Conservation area provided numerous passes and the National Slo-pitch Athletics provided the umpire and the insurance coverage.
This amazing family event raised a total of $2,067.75 towards Special Olympics Ontario.
The event organizer, North Perth OPP constable Faoro said the following “I attended competitions in my childhood with my cousin TJ who was born with Spina Bifida. We were told he wouldn’t live past the age of 8 years of age, at 25 years he’s still going strong and I attribute some of that to the active lifestyle that he was provided by Special Olympics Ontario. TJ was unable to attend the Perth County OPP Tournament this year but he hopes to attend next year. He extends his gratitude to everyone who participated and donated towards this eventâ€.