SASKATOON, Sask. — A feeling of contentment envelops Saskatoon Police Service Staff Sgt. Joe Tataryn every time he volunteers with the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics.
It fills his heart to lend his services and help ensure the convoy reaches Regina safely.
Tataryn had been an LETR volunteer for over two decades, including the 19th time it was held in Saskatoon. He was again at the forefront of organizing the convoy Oct. 3, when the group converged at the SaskTel Centre parking lot to begin their three-hour journey to Regina.
He recalled that a few years ago, they assembled what could have been the largest truck convoy with over 60 semis, and said it was a sight to see, watching a long line of trucks navigate through the Qu’Appelle Valley.
“I still haven't even figured out myself the idea that a convoy is fun. I didn't know that was going to be fun, but when you're driving with all these trucks behind you, it's an impressive sight, and I don't understand why I have such a good time doing it, but I do,” said Tataryn.
He added that he hopes more trucks will be involved in 2027, since 13 participated this year. Six left the city at around 8 a.m. Several others will join the convoy, including a couple of trucks waiting in Chamberlain, before concluding their trip at the Turvey Centre in Regina.
“So, we’re re-establishing the event, and we’re hoping to build interest. Maybe we will have 30 next year, and as many as we had in the past,” said Tataryn.
He said that it’s always fun to volunteer because the Special Olympics has a special place in his heart. A few years ago, he showed his commitment at another level when he sat on top of scaffolding at a Walmart for 52 hours straight to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics.
Tataryn, who was awarded the LETR Outstanding Service Award for the second time, said athletes competing in Special Olympics are among the happiest groups of people, enjoying friendly competition and having fun being active.
“Just being around people involved in the Special Olympics makes you happy because there's joy in them. You don't find that attitude in the general population. So, it's just a joyful thing to be involved with people like that,” said Tataryn, who was also awarded in 2020 before the COVID shutdown.
He added that he will continue doing this as long as he can, especially when he sees firsthand the warm reception the fundraising efforts have received from communities across the province, including those the convoy will pass through.
“It's a great way for raising awareness. Of course, everyone asks, ‘Why is there a convoy happening?’ They look it up and find out it is a Torch Run fundraising event for Special Olympics. That helps expose both the Torch Run cause and the Special Olympics,” said Tataryn.
He said that the award came as a surprise to him, and he considers it a bonus for all the efforts he had poured into raising funds and awareness for the Special Olympics, an award that will surely make his mother proud.
“I know I was nominated. The awards ceremony was a few days ago, and I hadn’t heard anything. I was like, ‘Okay, well, I mustn't have been the winner. They waited until today to give it to me. So, that was fantastic and a great place to receive the award,” said Tataryn with a laugh.
Making a difference
Special Olympics Saskatchewan executive director Rhae-Ann Holoein, who handed the award to Tataryn, said the annual event is one way to raise funds and, at the same time, promote awareness of the importance of Special Olympics.
“The money raised helps provide year-round sport opportunities for more than 1,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities across Saskatchewan. We are grateful to the drivers, law enforcement members, teams, sponsors and volunteers who make this event possible,” said Holoein.
“We have Jay’s Transportation and other trucks who have donated their time to sponsor Special Olympics Saskatchewan. We start here in Saskatoon, and the convoy will go down to Regina. At Regina, we stop and have lunch.”
She also thanked the Knights of Columbus for providing breakfast and lunch, and for their truck transportation as LETR’s partners, who have helped make the annual event possible for athletes with intellectual disabilities across the province.
Holoien added there will be several events in Regina, including a barbecue and the much-awaited truck pull where teams of about eight to 10 people will try to drag a semi truck, which usually weighs over 10,000 pounds, for 20 metres, with the fastest time to complete the challenge winning.
An SPS officer joined the convoy, along with the Corman Park Police Service and the RCMP. The Regina Police Service, which has one team registered to compete in the Truck Pull, will meet the convoy as it enters the city.
