MINDEMOYA—The formerly named Marc Hovingh Memorial Ride has been enhanced with ride awareness being expanded to include all officers who have died in the line of duty in the Northwest and Northeast Regions of Ontario. The Tour de Force Heroes in Life Cycling Series annual event was held on Manitoulin again this past Saturday and Sunday. The pre-ride ceremonies were held in Mindemoya Saturday morning.
“Like I said in my remarks earlier, we are all just so incredibly grateful for everyone coming out here today and for all the officers and families coming from their own communities,” Lianne Hovingh, widow of the late Constable Marc Hovingh, told The Expositor. “This ride has become even more special because it is now in remembrance of all the fallen officers in the Northwest and Northeast Region. Marc is definitely not being forgotten in any way, but it is being built on by remembering all those officers who have fallen and the families they left behind.”
On November 19, 2020, Ontario Provincial Police Constable Marc Hovingh died protecting and serving the communities of Manitoulin Island.
Over 100 riders took part in the event. Participants had the opportunity to take part in the long ride (140 kilometres), the medium length ride (80 kilometres) and the fun, family and friends ride, a 30-kilometre loop with lots of refreshment stops and smiles on the way.
Adam Belanger, provincial coordinator of the ride, told the large gathering on hand, “We would like to thank everyone for coming out to Manitoulin Island, and for the beautiful weather we have here today. This is the third year of the ride and it provides an amazing opportunity for everyone to come together and remember our fallen officers. And we very much appreciate the cyclists who are here today.”
Derek Needham and Rob Johnson, both members of the OPP read off the names of all fallen officers in the Northwest and Northeast regions.
Mr. Johnston bade appreciation to Lianne Hovingh and Marc “for being our inspiration for this ride.”
Piper Mary Mackenzie-Hertubise (with the Greater Sudbury Police Service) played ‘Amazing Grace’ which was preceded by a moment of silence.
OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique said the day, “reflects on the memories of the fallen officers, but also a celebration of their lives and their families. This event which started three years ago as the Marc Hovingh Memorial Ride has not been replaced but built upon by including every fallen officer and family remember and celebrating their legacy, memories and lives.”
“And this annual ride will be taking part in every part of the province to remember our fallen officers and their families with dignity, respect and compassion,” said OPP Commissioner Carrique. He thanked all the chiefs of police and police service officers in attendance (which included among them the Manitoulin OPP, UCCM Anishinaabe Police Service and Wikwemikong Tribal Police Services) and both local and off-Island officers.
“And we are absolutely thrilled to have members of the community join us here today,” continued OPP Commissioner Carrique. “Manitoulin Island truly is a magical place like no other in Ontario.”
He continued noting that another way to make sure the legacy of these officers continues is through a gift of new bicycles to five Manitoulin youths through the OPP Youth Foundation.
OPP Northeastern Region Chief Superintendent Mike Pilon thanked the OPP Youth Foundation, all police officers in attendance and participating along with family members, and members of the Survivors of Law Enforcement group. “It is great to see all of you here today. And to the Hovingh family it is always a pleasure to see all of you.”
“Manitoulin Island shows us their heart every year,” said Superintendent Pilon. “Enjoy a safe ride and enjoy the day.”
Timmins Police Chief Daniel Foy, the OPP commissioner, and chief Pilon joined with James Killeen Chief of Police for the UCCM Anishinaabe Police and acting Chief of Police Jason Spooner of the WTPS. “We all stand with you.”
“Events like this allow us to recognize the tremendous service all these officers provide for their communities,” said Police Chief Foy.
Sandy Poredos, executive director of the OPP Youth Foundation said, “I’m very pleased to represent the OPP Youth Foundation, we hope the legacy of all fallen officers continues as you ride forward today.”
She told The Expositor after the event that funds raised this past weekend go toward the purchase of the five bicycles given out to youth on Manitoulin Island. “They are the reason we are here.”
Ms. Hovingh in her address to the gathering said, “what a perfect morning this is. I represent my family, but also my soul sisters who were with me last night. Talking to this (law enforcement survivors) group shows me life is hard, but life is also beautiful. It is easier to go through this together. I am grateful for each of you.”
A total of four youngsters of the five (that will receive new bicycles) were on hand at the ceremony. They included Serenity Mejaki Kozeyah, Owen Boyle, Prince Hore and Allie Myler who were presented with the new bicycles and helmets.
Allie told The Expositor, “I am very excited to receive a new bicycle and very grateful for this. This is the first time I’ve been to a big event like this. I would like to thank the OPP Youth Foundation for this present.”
“I am very grateful that I have received this bicycle,” said Serenity. “It is an honour to receive one of these bicycles from the police foundation and I am very grateful for their gift.
