Two Central Saanich Police Service officers will be taking part in a 24-hour running challenge to raise money for children's charities.
For the CSPS 2024 Backyard Ultra for Kids on Saturday (July 20) officers Pat Bryant and PJ Shea will run a four-kilometre loop around Centennial Park every hour for 24 hours. The pair is raising money for the Sanctuary Youth Centre and KidSport.
“It's a perfect balance of two goals of promoting physical fitness and to raise awareness for these important programs,” said police chief Ian Lawson. “The sanctuary provides a safe and supportive environment for Victoria’s street-entrenched and at-risk youth and KidSport provides grants to youth to help cover costs to play their favourite sport.”
Bryant is a successful athlete who has led community events like polar bear swims, competed in triathlons for Central Saanich police at the World Police and Fire Games and was a member of the Tour de Rock in 2022.
Shea has been a police officer for 21 years, 10 of those in Central Saanich. He is an avid trail runner with a true passion for ultra marathons. He has also coached young people in football and basketball and enjoys mentoring young people.
Locals are being encouraged to stop by on the day to cheer them on. The event can be found at Centennial Park on Wallace Drive between noon on Satrday and noon Sunday.
In support of the fundraiser, Thrifty Foods in Saanichton will be hosting a barbecue at their store location on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Donations in support of Bryant and Shea's efforts can be made at cspolice.ca/2024BackyardUltra.
