MINDEMOYA鈥擶hile the weather conditions were cold and windy, those participating in the annual Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Tour de Force Heroes in Life Cycling Series this past Saturday on Manitoulin were filled with gratitude and honour to be recognizing the memory of all those fallen officers for making the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
鈥淭he annual Tour de Force Ride recognizes those fallen officers who made the ultimate sacrifice,鈥� said Derek Needham of the OPP, at the opening ceremonies held at the Mindemoya arena. He read off the names of the fallen officers in the Ontario Northeast and Northwest region area, which included Marc Hovingh, a Manitoulin OPP detachment Constable. 鈥淚t is so great to see Lianne Hovingh and her daughter here today for this ceremony.鈥�
Piper Iain McGale, a conservation officer with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) on Manitoulin Island performed 鈥楢mazing Grace.鈥�
Adam Belanger, provincial coordinator of the ride, greeted all those taking part in the opening, saying, 鈥淭his is our fourth annual ride, with rides that take place across the province. It has been an honour and a privilege to ride in memory of our fallen officers. And it is so great to see members of the SOLE (Survivors of Law Enforcement) here today, including Lianne (Hovingh), Shelley, Margaret, Nancy.鈥�
OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique said, 鈥淚t is so nice to see representatives of the MNRF riding as well, and to see Chief of Police James Killeen of the UCCM Police Service, Robert Walsh, detachment commander of the Manitoulin OPP, officers from the Sudbury and North Bay OPP, with the furthest here today from Durham.鈥�
鈥淏efore today鈥檚 ride, we had the opportunity to remember talk with members of SOLE, and to remember our fallen colleagues who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,鈥� said Commissioner Carrique. 鈥淭his has all reminded me of how much of a privilege it is to carry the badge of the police and that our officers do make a difference in the lives of so many. Carrying this badge gives us purpose and helps us fulfill our passion to help others. We can do anything when we work together, and even on this day of cold and possibly rain, when we ride with every pedal of the bike reflect on everything you have in your life, and the inspiration you give every day and to remind us why we do this.鈥�
鈥淕ood morning. It is very good to be here today,鈥� said Lianne Hovingh, widow of the late Constable Marc Hovingh. 鈥淲e are so grateful for everything you are doing and for everyone here today. We (SOLE) members had a group chat, and we want to thank all of you for remembering our loved ones. Ride safe and enjoy your ride today.鈥�
Mr. Belanger said, 鈥淲e want to create a legacy with our youth, and we are helping do this by donating bicycles and helmets to two deserving Manitoulin youth again this year.鈥� Abigail Moggy, a Grade 4 student at Assiginack Public School (who was nominated by her teachers to receive a bicycle) is a great student and received an attendance award for only missing one day of school this past year.鈥�
Kaiden Stevens, an 11-year-old student at Little Current Public School (was unable to attend the ceremony) but received a bicycle earlier this week.聽
Mr. Belanger explained the Tour de Force proceeds collected from the riders are donated to SOLE with Ontario鈥檚 mission to rebuild the shattered lives of survivors affected by line of duty deaths through supports, advocacy, education and resources; Camp F.A.C.E.S., an initiative of the Canadian Critical Incident Stress Foundation, CAMP F.A.C.E.S. provides an environment of encouragement and support for children and families of emergency services; The Ontario Police Memorial Foundation; and the Ontario Provincial Police Youth Foundation, which was created in 2005, to help the members of the OPP and OPPVA help the youth of the province in need of assistance, so they can realize heir potential.
About 30 riders took part in the 140-kilometre or 30-kilometre ride.
