The streets of Langley buzzed with energy on June 4 as local RCMP officers and Special Olympics athletes came together for the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run. This spirited event raises funds and awareness, fueling opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities to compete and shine.
The torch run, winding through Murrayville and beyond, symbolizes more than just a race — it’s a celebration of community, courage, and connection.
A Community Moving as One for Special Olympics
The atmosphere in Langley was electric. Police cruisers escorted the runners, ensuring safety and adding a sense of ceremony to the event. The run began at the Langley RCMP detachment and snaked through the neighbourhood, with cheers from supporters lining the streets.
Special Olympics isn’t just about sports; it’s about inclusion and empowerment for people with intellectual disabilities. Through these athletic programs, participants like Christopher Lakusta get a chance to experience competition, camaraderie, and confidence.
Lakusta, a veteran Special Olympian from Aldergrove, has been part of the movement for over a decade. This year, he’s gearing up for the B.C. Special Olympics Summer Games in Prince George, where he’ll compete in bocce. In the past, he’s taken part in track and field, basketball, and soccer, traveling across the province to tournaments and events.
“You get to travel to different tournaments across the province, or within the Lower Mainland,” Lakusta shared. It’s clear the sport means a lot to him — he even serves as the vice-chair of the Langley Special Olympics athletes council, helping steer the organization’s direction from the athletes’ perspective.
More Than Just Running: Sport as Freedom and Joy
For Peter MacDonald, another Special Olympian in the run, sports have always been a vital outlet. “Sport gives people an outlet to enjoy life,” he said. His words cut right to the heart of what Special Olympics is all about — opening doors to joy, regardless of intellectual ability.
MacDonald’s lifelong love for sports resonates deeply. He emphasized, “Just because you have an intellectual disability doesn’t mean you should be prevented from enjoying sport.” That sentiment isn’t just inspiring — it’s a call to action for communities to embrace inclusion fully.
The torch run, while a fundraiser, doubles as a powerful symbol. Across British Columbia, from May 24 to June 8, similar runs have been uniting law enforcement and athletes, shining a spotlight on this vital cause. And Langley’s event was a clear success, raising over $1,400 — far surpassing the initial $500 goal.
Torch Runs Lighting the Way Across B.C.
These torch runs aren’t just about the dollars raised. They’re about the message. They remind everyone that Special Olympics athletes deserve the same chances to compete, celebrate, and grow.
Here’s a quick look at the timeline and impact:
| Event | Date Range | Purpose | Funds Raised (Langley) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Law Enforcement Torch Runs | May 24 – June 8 | Raise awareness and funds | $1,400+ (Langley) |
| B.C. Special Olympics Games | July 10 – July 12 | Provincial Summer Games | N/A |
| Final Torch Run Leg | July 9 (Prince George) | Build momentum before games | N/A |
The final leg of this year’s torch run season will take place in Prince George on July 9, right before the Summer Games kick off. These Games are more than just competition; they’re a showcase of perseverance and spirit.
What Drives the Torch Run: A Win for Everyone
What’s especially striking about the torch run is how it bridges communities. Langley RCMP officers aren’t just organizing or supervising — they’re running alongside the athletes, showing solidarity and respect.
This partnership goes beyond fundraising. It’s about building relationships, tearing down stereotypes, and celebrating the abilities rather than the disabilities of these athletes. The spirit of the run is contagious, drawing in residents and fostering pride.
For the athletes, it’s an empowering moment. For the officers, it’s a chance to give back and to stand visibly with a cause that touches many lives. For the community, it’s an uplifting reminder of the power of teamwork and support.
To sum it up: the Langley Law Enforcement Torch Run is more than a fundraiser — it’s a beacon. It lights the way toward greater inclusion, opportunity, and hope for Special Olympics athletes everywhere.
