Kelowna

The RCMP continued to show their support for Special Olympics in BC as officers agreed to be slightly out of uniform on Thursday.

Photo: Grant Scott

RCMP officers across BC are wearing red shoe laces for 'Be a Fan Day.'

During 'Be a Fan Day', members of the Kelowna detachment will be wearing bright red Special Olympic shoelaces.

"We're here to celebrate 25 years of law enforcement in Canada being involved in Special Olympics," says spokesperson Chris Edwards.

"Worldwide, different law enforcement agencies have raised over $40 million and here in BC, it's almost $3.5 million.

Edwards says today's event marks the 25th anniversary of the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

"Not only are the RCMP heroes to our athletes, but it's also that the funds are necessary to make sure that the programs keep going and keep growing."

The money they raise goes to local athletes to support their training and travel.

That includes athletes like Laura Graham, Joanna Morris, and Tony Wilkinson. They were on hand for the announcement.

"I've been competing off and on for 20 years," says Graham who competes in 10 pin bowling, swimming and golf. "There's great friends, great travel experience and different cultures."

"My other sports are swimming and track and field, but my best one is gymnastics," says Morris, who will head to her first provincial championships later this year.

Wilkinson is also a multi-sport athlete, competing in bowling, bocce, golf, floor hockey and snowshoeing.

He says the RCMP support is appreciated as it keeps him active

"It means a lot. Sports is doing very well for me and it's good exercise."

One of those sporting the bright red shoelaces was Cst. Kris Clark, who says Be a Fan Day is a way to show their continued support of Special Olympics.

"Special Olympics is one of the (charities) that we support year round with the Law Enforcement Torch Run and Freeze the Fuzz. Anything that we can do to show our support, we'll do. Today is really all about that."