In the wake of the cancellation of the Special Olympics Ontario Provincial Spring Games due to the COVID-19 lockdown, Waterloo Regional Police are now partnering with Special Olympics Ontario to host Special Olympics Ontario 2020 Virtual Games.
The concept is a fun and interactive way for athletes to keep the spirit of Special Olympics alive by competing safely from their own homes. These Virtual Games do not work as a qualifier but as an opportunity to help connect athletes and coaches through virtual sports.
The athletes will be participating in various sports including basketball, powerlifting, rhythmic gymnastics, swimming and 10-pin bowling.
Between July 21 and 23, Special Olympics Ontario will be hosting virtual online celebrations to acknowledge the athletes participation, and provide them the opportunity to connect virtually with fellow athletes.
“We are so excited to welcome the athletes to the first ever Special Olympics Ontario 2020 Virtual Games,” said Chief Bryan Larkin in a release. “We know that you have continued to train in your own way during the past several months, and we can’t wait to watch and cheer you on as you showcase your talents on the virtual world stage.”
The Special Olympics Ontario Virtual Games are open to all Special Olympics athletes across North America. More information can be found online.
JUNE 28
12:15 PM | Police responded to a collision on Andover Drive in Breslau. The driver of a vehicle travelling west on Andover crossed over into oncoming traffic and struck an unoccupied, parked vehicle after the driver fell asleep. Minor injuries were reported. As a result of the investigation, a 25-year-old male was charged with ‘careless driving.’
4:52 PM | Waterloo Regional Police received a report of an attempted bike theft at a business in the area of Farmers Market Road in St. Jacobs. A male was observed trying to steal a bicycle. The male was confronted by the owner and then fled the area. The bike was not taken, but there was damage done to the lock.
JUNE 29
5:57 PM | Waterloo Regional Police responded to a report of a break-in at an abandoned building in the area of William Street in Elmira. Several youth were seen inside the abandoned building. The parties left prior to police arrival.
JUNE 30
3:34 PM | Sometime overnight, an unlocked vehicle parked at a business on Industrial Crescent in St. Clements was entered by unknown suspect(s). Property belonging to the business was stolen. Some of the property has since been recovered. The investigation is ongoing.
JULY 2
11:23 AM | Waterloo Regional Police responded to a single-vehicle collision in the area of Ebycrest Road and Hopewell Creek Road in Woolwich Township, where a vehicle swerved to avoid hitting an animal, and struck a sign. There were no physical injuries reported.
12:40 PM | Waterloo Regional Police responded to the area of Hackbart Road in Wellesley Township for reports of a single-vehicle collision. The driver of a car lost control while crossing a bridge and rolled the vehicle. No physical injuries were reported. As a result of the investigation, a female driver was charged with ‘careless driving.’ Speed is believed to be a factor in the collision.
6:18 PM | A collision brought police to Lawrence Street and Nafziger Road in Wellesley. A vehicle stopped for a stop sign on Lawrence Road and then attempted to make a left turn onto Nafziger road. The vehicle making the left entered the intersection and was struck by a vehicle southbound on Nafziger Road. The driver of the turning vehicle was charged with ‘turn – not in safety.’
8:11 PM |Waterloo Regional Police responded to the Woolwich Memorial Centre for a complaint about a group of people not following COVID-19 guidelines on group gatherings. A group of more than 10 individuals were playing soccer. The group was educated on the guidelines and advised that gatherings over 10 are not permitted at this time.
8:30 PM | A 52-year-old Elora woman was charged with ‘impaired operation,’ ‘impaired operation – 80 plus (mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood)’ and ‘prohibited driving’ after Wellington County OPP received a report of a possible impaired driving. Further information was received by police that the driver was no longer in the vehicle and was walking near Bissell Park. Officers located the driver and while speaking with them determined that their ability to operate a motor vehicle was impaired by alcohol and they were placed under arrest. The accused was transported to a nearby OPP Operation Centre for further testing. The driver is scheduled to appear in the Ontario Court of Justice – Guelph on Aug. 7.
JULY 4
3:44 PM | Police responded to Industrial Drive in Elmira after a vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree. As a result of the investigation, the driver was issued a three-day notice of suspension for being in the “warn” range of impairment. The driver was also charged with ‘careless driving.’
6:20 PM | Waterloo Regional Police responded to a single-vehicle collision on the Woolwich-Guelph Townline in east of Breslau. The driver attempted to adjust the positioning of their car when the front driver’s side slipped over the corner of a ditch. The vehicle then accelerated into a tree. The drive suffered minor injuries. This incident occurred on private property, and no charges were laid.
