Special Olympics MB registration now free as truckers haul in $30k
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 21/09/2024 (284 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
A long line of 42 semi-trucks, 29 police vehicles and one bus full of athletes took off from Ile des Chenes before riding around Winnipeg on the Perimeter Highway to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Manitoba.
The $30,000 raised goes to the athletic programming for kids and adults with any intellectual disability. And thanks to efforts like these it is now free for athletes to sign up, with only things like bowling lane fees needing to be paid for.
In Eastman, registration is now open for five-pin bowling with the Steinbach Flames that runs Oct. 26 to April, track and field at Steinbach Regional Secondary School that starts Oct. 15, and the Niverville Night Hawks athletics program that starts Oct. 15. The easiest way is online at specialolympics.mb.ca.
One of the riders at the 2024 Law Enforcement Torch Run Truck Ride was Special Olympian William Middleton’s 90-year-old grandma, who got in a big rig for the first time ever, according to Special Olympics Manitoba marketing manager Melissa Suggitt.
“She was all smiles when she came back,” said Suggitt.
Middleton is expected to represent Canada as a snowshoer at the Special Olympics World Winter Games next March in Turin, Italy. He won gold this February at the Special Olympics Winter Games in Calgary, and was on the bus at the Truck Ride on Sept. 7.
Drivers and police representing Manitoba RCMP, Ste Anne, the Canadian military and RM of Springfield, among others, raised money through registrations and pledges. Brenda Stacyszyn from Birkett Freight based out of Springfield was again the largest single fundraiser at $5,895, meaning she got to drive the lead truck.
The ride was the 17th in Manitoba, and is connected with a national effort through the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
Upcoming Special Olympics Manitoba events include the fundraising Winnipeg Wine Festival Sept. 19-21, and the School Programs Outdoor Bocce event in St Vital Sept. 25-26.
Both need volunteers. People can sign up at specialolympics.mb.ca/volunteer.
