Milestone year for Special Olympics celebrated in North Bay

This year is a special milestone year for Special Olympics around the world as the organization turns a half century.

One of the big supporters locally is the police community whether it be city police or OPP.

Today, the flag recognizing 50 years was raised at North Bay Police headquarters.

Deputy Chief Scott Tod says there’s so much to admire about Special Olympics athletes and the people who support them.

“It’s an organization that we support because we believe it builds better citizens at our communities at all levels whether it’s competing or supporting and our communities are stronger as a result,”

Tod says in just over 7 weeks the Special Olympics Ontario Invitational Youth Games will take place in Toronto and North Bay has been designated as one of 50 communities to be part of the celebrations.

Meantime, Rob Saunders who has been working with Special Olympians or for the organization for 37 years received special recognition at the flag raising. He says one thing stands out over that time.

“The athletes. You really need to attend the games and see the look on the athletes faces when they compete. It’s absolutely amazing to watch,” he says.

On hand for the flag raising were many of our local Special Olympics athletes.