Cork Gardai run 280KM for Special Olympics Ireland.
Kicking off on September 7th, members of the Gardaí and the PSNI ran a combined all Ireland circuit of 2,800km in aid of Special Olympics Ireland as part of the “LETR Global Virtual Torch Run 2020”. The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics is an organisation made up of law enforcement officers worldwide, it champions acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities as well as holding fundraising events to raise much needed funds for Special Olympics.
This mammoth challenge saw members of the LETR community put on their running shoes for Special Olympic athletes and programmes across the globe. The LETR gathered teams of 10 people or less from across Ireland within the Gardaí/PSNI to participate in this international event by running 280km per team from the 7th to the 30th of September.
Garda Stephen Cleary stepped up to the challenge for Cork and led a team of fellow Gardaí from Carrigaline Garda Station, Anglesea Street Garda station and local supporters towards the Virtual Torch Run finish line. Armed with nothing but a good pair of running shoes and a willingness to help a good cause the Gardaí took to the streets and ran a combined 280km across 2 weeks in aid of Special Olympics, raising €585 along the way.
Eoin O’Beara Regional Director of Special Olympics Munster said that he was “blown away by the determination of the Gardaí from Carrigaline and Anglesea Street Garda Station throughout the 280km run challenge. The Garda Síochána have always been an invaluable support to Special Olympics Munster and we are extremely grateful for every hour each team member spent running in aid of our organisation. “The donations we receive through the “LETR Virtual Torch Run 2020” will allow us to continue to offer a support system to athletes, until the time comes where all athletes can safely return to their clubs.”
Typically, the Torch Run takes place at the Special Olympics opening ceremony of Local competitions, provincial, national, regional and World Games but due to Covid 19 many Special Olympics events have been cancelled or postponed including the Ireland Winter Games and the Special Olympics Annual Collection Day which will now be run virtually through our “Can’t Stop Now Campaign” running until October 16th.
The LETR is still appealing to the public to donate to their fundraiser https://www.justgiving.com/team/LETRcorkstations or donate directly to the Special Olympics “Can’t stop now” campaign by going to www.cantstopnow.ie
For additional information on the “LETR Virtual Torch Run 2020” and the work of the LETR see www.letrrepublicofireland.org and the www.letr.org/GVTR