Carrying the flame: RCMP powers Special Olympics in Ontario
By Jean Turner
Special Olympian Val Nyhout competing in alpine skiing / RCMP fundraisers doing the Polar Plunge
Image by Val Nyhout / Nicole Kamarlingos
July 14, 2026
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Every summer, a flame makes its way through Ontario communities, passed with pride from officer to officer, runner to runner. It is not a symbol of competition alone, but of inclusion, courage, and community. For decades, law enforcement has been one of Special Olympics’ strongest and most visible allies, helping ensure athletes with intellectual disabilities are celebrated, supported, and given the chance to shine.
“Nowhere is that partnership more evident than in Ontario” says Cody Jansma, CEO of Special Olympics Ontario. “The support we get from law enforcement in this province plays a significant role in driving the program.”
Special Olympics is a global movement dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities through sport. With year-round training and competition opportunities, Special Olympics helps athletes build physical fitness, confidence, and lifelong friendships.
In Canada, Special Olympics programs operate in every province and territory, serving tens of thousands of athletes with the support of volunteers, coaches, families, and community partners. At the heart of the movement is a simple but powerful belief: sport has the power to transform lives.
A model of community leadership
“Ontario is proudly the only Special Olympics program in the world who has Police Services host our Provincial Games, and they have done so every year since 1996. We are incredibly proud and grateful for this partnership. Together, we are changing lives and providing world class sporting opportunities for over 23,000 individuals living with an intellectual disability in this Province” says Jansma.
Chief Frank Bergen, Hamilton Police Service and Chair of the Torch Run Committee, Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) says, “The 2025 Provincial Summer Games, held in Brantford last July, were truly unique, with the Brantford Police Service, the Ontario Provincial Police, and the Six Nations Police Service jointly serving as hosts.”
Across the province and across the country police services play an essential role in raising funds, generating awareness, and championing inclusion. Whether it's through community events, torch runs or jumping into freezing lakes in the middle of winter, law enforcement personnel show up.
More than a fundraiser
Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Liaison, Derek Spence, describes the relationship between Law Enforcement and Special Olympics, “That connection is a hidden gem that benefits the Law Enforcement members as much as it does the athletes.”
RCMP Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run Coordinator, Nicole Kamarlingos says, “I am extremely proud of how our employees consistently step up to support events across the region, bringing communities together in the spirit of inclusion and support for the athletes. Watching officers carry the Flame of Hope into opening ceremonies during the final leg, high-fiving athletes along the way, is a joyful experience that's difficult to put into words.”
Taking the plunge: A cold tradition with a warm purpose
The Ontario LETR Polar Plunge campaign has officially surpassed $1 million in fundraising, with several plunges still to come, making it one of the most successful Polar Plunge seasons on record.
A longtime Polar Plunger, RCMP Central Region Support Services Officer Chief Superintendent Jamie Zettler, says the event is always a highlight. “The Polar Plunge is one of my favourite events of the year; it creates a friendly camaraderie between participants and spectators who are cheering everyone on,” he says. “Once you take the first jump, it's something people talk about year after year—it's a real icebreaker.”
This year, RCMP members and employees once again played a meaningful role, taking the plunge in communities including London, Kitchener, Ottawa, and North Bay.
Reflecting on his involvement, Chief Superintendent Zettler added, “Meeting the Special Olympics athletes, coaches, and families over the years at various events has been especially meaningful to me. The athletes are full of so much energy, and hearing their experiences not only brings a smile to my face but also inspires me all year long.”
Courtesy of Jean Turner
Impact beyond the podium
From July 10-13, 2025, Brantford welcomed the Special Olympics Ontario Summer Games, drawing athletes, coaches, families, volunteers, and supporters from across the province. More than 1,000 athletes competed in five sports: athletics, bocce ball, golf, soccer and softball.
Behind the scenes, the scale of the Games was equally impressive, with approximately 1,000 team members in attendance and more than 5,000 spectators. Over 700 employees and volunteers supported the Games, while more than 40 organizing committee members and officials worked to ensure the event's success.
The Games also delivered a significant economic boost to the host community, generating a total of $1.95 million in net economic activity across Canada. Of that amount, $1.57 million was generated within Ontario, including $1.08 million directly benefiting the City of Brantford.
These figures underscore a reality often overlooked. “Special Olympics events are not only life-changing for athletes, but they also serve as a catalyst for local economic growth, community engagement, and meaningful personal enrichment for the law enforcement volunteers who proudly support them,” says Chief Frank Bergen.
Voices behind the movement
The success of Special Olympics Ontario is propelled by people - athletes, families, volunteers, and passionate advocates.
Special Olympics athlete, Val Nyhout says the support from law enforcement has been especially meaningful. “I love our law enforcement friends. I know they raise a lot of money for Special Olympics programs, but that's not all they do,” she says. “They come out and play sports with us. They show up at our events. They are truly our friends.”
Courtesy of Jean Turner
Val, who is an impressive multi-sport competitor, credits those relationships for helping to shape her journey. “I play a lot of sports like alpine skiing, Nordic skiing, basketball, soccer, rhythmic gymnastics, pickleball, and track and field,” she says. “I've competed in eight Provincial Games, one National Games, and one World Games.”
She describes one moment that stands out above the rest. “When police officers run into the Opening Ceremonies carrying the torch, it's always so exciting,” she says. “At the World Games in Austria, they skied down the mountain with the torch. I'll never forget that.”
Looking ahead, Val is embracing a new role. “I love competing because I love to challenge myself and it's really fun” she says. “This summer, I'll be at the Special Olympics Canada National Summer Games in Medicine Hat as Team Ontario's Health Messenger. My role is to help other athletes live healthy, active lives.”
She added, “My law enforcement friends have taught me so much about helping others and living active lives. Because of them, I'm ready.”
Courtesy of Jean Turner
RCMP Ontario Coordinator, Nicole Kamarlingos reminisces about her experiences as a volunteer, “What fuels my passion most is witnessing the excitement and joy of the athletes themselves.”
“It’s more than just volunteering; it’s being part of something truly special,” she says. “The pride, connection, and inspiration that come from the LETR are something everyone should experience at least once.”
Carrying the flame forward
For law enforcement agencies across Ontario and Canada, supporting Special Olympics is about more than events or fundraising totals. It's about trust, visibility, and shared humanity.
Every torch carried, every plunge taken, and every cheer from the sidelines sends a message: athletes with intellectual disabilities belong at the center of our communities.
And as long as law enforcement continues to carry the flame, that message will shine brightly.