Torch run raises money for Special Olympics
MEMBERS OF FIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES IN THE AREA HIT THE ROAD
Pedals were turning Friday morning as members from five Alberta law enforcement teams and other civilians got on their bikes for a 500-kilometre ride to Edmonton for the 15th annual Law Enforcement Torch Run.
The torch run raises money to benefit the Special Olympics athletes, and, since its inception in 2004, the LETR has raised more than $400,000 with a goal of raising an additional $15,000 on this year’s ride.
Members from the Lethbridge Police Service, Taber Police Service, Blood Tribe Police Service, CP Rail Police, Alberta Corrections, Alberta Sheriffs, and the Canadian Armed forces joined with Special Olympic athletes for the trek.
Matthew Burton, Alberta Sheriffs co-chair of the Southern Alberta LETR Committee and local Sheriff, said he is honoured to be a part of the cause because the people it supports are incredible people in the community.
“It is one of the best causes,” he said.
“Once you have worked with some of the special Olympians and been around them, you will see their attitude is infectious; their belief in sport and strive for excellence is unparallel to any other athlete that I have ever met in my life.”
The ride started at the Lethbridge Courthouse Friday morning, and as the riders made their way to Edmonton they prepared for every type of weather condition and other struggles they may encounter on the way. But the motivation of supporting the Special Olympians keeps them moving.
“It really does motivate me when you see the struggles that they have gone through to get to the levels they have reached in sport,” said Burton.
“Weather can be a challenge, you never know what a day will look like but we dress and prepare for everything because we do experience everything on this ride.”
Ken Sawicki won a gold medal in 10-pin bowling with his team at the Special Olympics Canada Bowling Championships in May, and says the law enforcement teams have been a great support through the LETR and within the community.
“It is good to see the community and the police because they have been such a wonderful support of the Special Olympics,” said Sawicki. “It is an honour to have their support for the inclusion of special needs people in the community.”
For the second year in a row, Brady Paul got on his bike to ride through the streets of Lethbridge with the enforcement teams, leading them on their way out of town and says the ride is a fun experience.
“I love it,” said Paul. “It is fun to ride along with the cops and you get to meet new people on the rides, have fun with all of them. It feels good that I get the support from all of these cops.”
The LETR team will make their way to Edmonton where they will tally the final donations collected along the ride.
Police are advising motorists along Highway 3, 23 and 21 to be aware of the cyclists and use caution when passing them. Donations for the Law Enforcement Torch Run can be done in person or online at