On Saturday, September 7, the annual Truck Ride for Special Olympics fundraiser will kick off at the TC Energy Centre in Île-des-Chênes.
A community breakfast and registration will take place at 7:30 a.m. By 10:00 a.m., truck drivers and their riders will hit the road to form a trucker’s parade along the Perimeter Highway.
They’ll return to the TC Energy Centre for a noon lunch, special program, and silent auction draw.
The Truck Ride takes place every year through the collaborative efforts of the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) and the Manitoba Trucking Association.
“The Perimeter Highway will rumble with the sound of passionate Manitoba truckers in an awe-inspiring display of support for Special Olympics Manitoba athletes,” the Manitoba Special Olympics website states. “Whether you’re behind the wheel or cheering from the curb, your involvement enables Manitoba athletes with intellectual disabilities to enjoy the sports they love, develop healthy habits, and make lifelong friendships.”1
The LETR is a grassroots fundraising organization dedicated to raising money and public awareness for the Special Olympics. They engage law enforcement from around the world, championing acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities.
The Truck Ride is one of many fundraising and awareness events supported by the LETR.
“After an engaging community breakfast, drivers return to their rigs, blare their horns, and drive as a group around the Perimeter Highway, forming an eye-catching parade of support,” Special Olympics Manitoba says.
Once every two years, Special Olympics Manitoba hosts its provincial games. The next event will take place from June 20–22, 2025.
Medallists of the provincial games are eligible to become members of Team Manitoba to compete in the national games. Likewise, medallists of the national games go on to form Team Canada to compete at the world level.
Niverville’s Terrylinn Johnson took home four medals in speedskating at this year’s national winter games held in Calgary.
