Account Login/Registration

Access KamloopsBCNow using your Facebook account, or by entering your information below.


Facebook


OR


Register

Privacy Policy

Kamloops RCMP participating in Torch Run for Special Olympics

Members of the Kamloops RCMP Detachment and law enforcement partners will be participating in the Torch Run that will light the way towards the Special Olympics Provincial Winter Games kickoff next week.

The Torch Run will take place on Feb. 1 at 3 pm at the Tournament Capital Centre, and the Opening Ceremony for the Special Olympics BC Provincial Winter Games is on Feb. 2 at 7 pm at the TCC fieldhouse.

<who> Photo Contributed

“The Torch Run allows us to show our support, raise funds and encourage volunteers to participate in the main games, which officially open the next day,” says Cst. Phil Whiles, a Kamloops RCMP officer and Special Olympics supporter.

The public is invited to cheer on the Special Olympics athletes who will be competing in eight different winter sports throughout the city Feb. 3-4. These sports include alpine skiing, cross country skiing, curling, figure skating, five-pin bowling, floor hockey, snowshoeing and speed skating.

Admission to the Special Olympics Provincial Winter Games is free and no tickets are required to attend the event.

“There are lots of different levels of volunteer work, no matter what you’re into or how limited your window of time may be,” Cst. Whiles adds.

Cst. Whiles has been a volunteer with the Special Olympics for more than 20 years on and off.

He began by coaching a swim team for the organization when he was in university, and when he joined the RCMP and was posted to the Yukon, he continued his involvement by coaching swimming, fundraising and chaperoning the team’s competitive travels, including to the Special Olympics Summer Games.

“Now my focus is on the Kamloops team by fundraising, volunteering and participating in events, such as the Torch Run, and in raising awareness about the impact community support has on creating opportunities for these incredible athletes,” he explains.

Following the games, Cst. Whiles and law enforcement partners will focus their attention on the Polar Plunge, which is an event where sponsored officers will take a dip in the icy cold Thompson River to raise funds and awareness for the Special Olympics.

The Polar Plunge takes place on Feb. 22 at 11 am at Pioneer Park, and it will include the attendance of local athletes.

Learn more about the Special Olympics Provincial Winter Games here, the Torch Run here, and the Polar Plunge here.



Send your comments, news tips, typos, letter to the editor, photos and videos to [email protected].



Weather
webcam icon

weather-icon
Fri
13℃

weather-icon
Sat
14℃

weather-icon
Sun
16℃

weather-icon
Mon
19℃

weather-icon
Tue
21℃

weather-icon
Wed
13℃
current feed webcam icon

Top Stories

Follow Us

Follow us on Instagram Follow us on Twitter Like us on Facebook Follow us on Linkedin
Follow Our Newsletter
Privacy Policy