Law enforcement hits the saddle

CYCLISTS TAKE ON 500-KILOMETRE RIDE FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS

Members of local law enforcement agencies, along with local Special Olympics athletes, helped kick off the start of the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run Bike Ride for Special Olympics Friday morning as cyclists began their 24-hour trip from Lethbridge to Edmonton.

LETR fundraising events are held throughout the year and before the wheels hit the road from the courthouse, the Special Olympics team was presented with $35,000 to support local athletes.

Nadine Chandler, chef de mission for the Lethbridge Special Olympics team, said that support is crucial to local athletes being able to take part in sport.

Costs, such as facility rentals and travel, would make opportunities to participate out of reach without financial help.

“The funds they raise and the inspiration that they give the athletes is unbelievable,” she said.

This year’s Special Olympics Alberta Summer Games will be taking place July 7 to 9 in Medicine Hat.

The 24-hour, 500-kilometre ride lends perspective to the cyclist taking part, as well.

“It’s gruelling but yet rewarding” said Mathieu Champagne, event chair and Taber police constable.

“It’s just a little touch of the difficulty that the athletes face when they’re training for their chosen events to participate in.”

Representatives from the Lethbridge, Blood Tribe and Taber police services, Alberta Corrections, Alberta Sheriffs, CP Rail Police and civilian riders made their way north to reach Edmonton.

Since 2004, the LETR Ride for Special Olympics has raised more than $400,000. Donations can be made online at

Herald photo by Ian Martens Cyclists from law enforcement agencies are joined by local Special Olympics athletes as they head out from the court house Friday before heading north to Edmonton on the Law Enforcement Torch Run Bike Ride. @IMartensHerald