Local Constable reps Ontario in Law Enforcement Torch Run final leg with Special Olympics

by Garrett Fodor

Photos submitted by Jim Chauvin

When Essex OPP Constable Jim Chauvin first began to work with the Special Olympics and Law Enforcement Torch Run 25-years ago, he never thought he would have an opportunity to connect with representatives from around the world. Or, that his involvement would lead to him being chosen to represent Ontario in Torino, Italy during the Law Enforcement Torch Run final leg heading to the Special Olympics World Winter Games.

The opportunity has allowed him to create lasting friendships and impressions, while bringing awareness and uniting for one common goal – inclusion and hope.

In late December, Constable Chauvin was chosen to represent Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Ontario and the Essex County OPP in Turin, Italy, as a part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg. A tradition going back to 1981, the LETR was designed as a way for law enforcement members to be active in the community, while also helping to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics.

The “Flame of Hope” is carried by the “Guardians of the Flame” throughout the communities leading up to the opening ceremonies. This year’s journey with Chauvin started with a flight to Italy in late February. He then embarked on the journey that started on February 25, with a lighting happening in the historic Zappeion Hall, before heading to Rome and starting its cross-country journey.

The torch made its way through Italy, including a stop at the Vatican, where it was blessed by a high-level priest in the Pope’s absence, due to illness. The torch winded its way towards Turin, Italy, before the members were invited to attend the Junventus Seire A soccer match on March 3. At half-time, the athletes and some of the torch runners were honoured, celebrating inclusion. It would continue to be spread through the towns before the torch arrived and officially lit the 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games on March 9.

“It was so powerful to be surrounded by so many like-minded individuals working towards our one mutual goal of raising awareness for inclusion,” Constable Chauvin said. “There was a lot of dialogue, and it was great to connect with these people. So many of them now are going to be lifelong friends; with social media, we can connect and remain in contact.

“Special Olympic Athletes just want to be included in the events they do. They don’t want anybody to single them out, and it’s unfortunate because there is still discrimination that they face. But it is changing, and this trip - the nearly two weeks - it was a lot of love.”

In total, Constable Chauvin was one of just under 90 law enforcement members from around the world chosen to participate in the “Final Leg.” As a part of the journey, law enforcement officers were put into teams of 10 and 11 people, assembled of officers from around the world, two athletes, and an Italian police officer for translation purposes. Each team completed two runs of three-kilometers each day, running through towns as crowds watched, before sharing speeches and taking part in a celebration that followed within that town.

Each athlete and officer had a chance to share a speech on the torch’s journey, highlighting the experiences for each participant.

Their trip came to an end with the team’s annual Polar Plunge, where, Constable Chauvin noted, they were able to raise over $350,000 in support of the Special Olympics.

One highlight Constable Chauvin noted was having the opportunity to have lunch with Team Canada ahead of the opening ceremonies. There, he had a chance to meet and talk with athletes, including Windsor-Essex native Breanna Williams, who would go on to win gold in figure skating.

Having known Williams, he said it was great to connect again there and then later meet her after the events back in Windsor, to hear about it and take some pictures with her and her medal.

Constable Chauvin noted he is grateful to everyone who has helped to support the Special Olympics and the LETR both locally and abroad, and he is proud to see how much awareness and change has happened since becoming involved 25-years ago.

“I can honestly say it was one of the best times of my life,” Constable Chauvin said. “Being part of a team of like-minded individuals who share a deep love and admiration for our Special Olympics athletes is a gift I will carry with me forever.

“It was an honour to represent my agency and to be part of something so much larger than myself. Individuals from 19 countries, 86 Torch Runners and eight Athletes, one message was clear: one LETR, one goal, and one family united by a shared vision. This journey was more than just a torch run – it was the embodiment of hope, unity, and a future where everyone is included.”