London Police Officer Chosen To Carry “Flame of Hope” In United Arab Emirates

A London Police Service officer will travel to the United Arab Emirates to carry the ‘flame of hope’ at the 2019 Special Olympics World Games as part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run Final Leg team.

Sgt. Derek Spence, a 32-year LPS veteran, will be a ‘guardian of the flame’ during the final leg of the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) that wraps up March 14th, 2019 at the opening ceremonies of the Games in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

“I’m humbled to be chosen to represent the many dedicated and passionate law enforcement members of Torch Run Ontario,” said Sgt. Spence, who has been actively involved in the LETR for 28 years. “To be a part of the opening ceremonies of the World Special Olympics Summer Games, and share in the excitement with all of the talented and inspiring athletes, is an absolute honour, and I can hardly wait!”

He is one of 96 law enforcement officers selected from around the world to be part of the team that, along with ten Special Olympic athletes, will run throughout cities and communities across the United Arab Emirates to honour the spirit of the Special Olympics global movement.

“This is a tribute to Sgt. Spence’s incredible level of commitment to Special Olympics,” said Chief John Pare. “The London Police Service is a strong supporter of the Law Enforcement Torch Run because of those members like Derek who have contributed so much over the years.”

The Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics (LETR) is Special Olympics’ largest grass‐roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle in the world. Nearly 100,000 law enforcement members in all 50 U.S. States, 12 Canadian provinces/territories, and 44 countries contribute to LETR efforts annually as Guardians of the Flame®, ensuring the delivery of the Special Olympics Flame of Hope to the Opening Ceremony of local Special Olympics competitions, state/provincial Games, and national/regional Games.

“For more than 38 years, the Law Enforcement Torch Run has been an integral part of the Special Olympics Movement,” said Khalfan Al Mazrouei, Managing Director of the 2019 Special Olympics World Games. “We look forward to cheering on the Final Leg Team as they bring the World Games message of inclusion throughout the country.”

For more information on the Final Leg team and the members participating, please visit www.letr‐finalleg.org.