The Lethbridge Police Service is raising funds to support Canada's Special Olympics athletes, May 10, 2023. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge Police fundraising for Special Olympics athletes

May 10, 2023 | 12:15 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Local Special Olympics athletes are gearing up for competition in Germany and the Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) wants to do its part to help out.

The World Summer Games takes place in Berlin June 17-25, 2023, and is expected to include 7,000 athletes, 3,000 coaches, and 20,000 volunteers from 170 countries.

LPS Cst. Braylon Hyggen, a member and lead trainer of the K9 Unit, will be among the competitors who will carry the Flame of Hope at the Games.

Hyggen said, “We have a lot of talented athletes in our community who have worked very hard to build their skills to an elite level and we want to ensure as many as possible are able to make the trip to Berlin,” said Hyggen. “For many, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to not only put their skills to the test in their chosen sports but enjoy the camaraderie of their fellow athletes from around the world.”

Leading up to the event, members of the Alberta Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) are raising funds to help offset the cost for participants in the Games. All proceeds will benefit Special Olympics with 50 per cent going directly towards travel expenses for athletes in each jurisdiction.

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LPS is offering three levels of K9 experiences for those who make donations:

• $500 donation:
  • YQL K9 shirt, handmade thank-you card from a Special Olympics athlete, and a K9 demo. The demonstration will provide a close-up look at the capabilities of a police dog from tracking and searching to apprehensions – the latter being fun to watch but less enjoyable for those on the receiving end.
• $750 donation:
  • YQL K9 shirt, handmade thank-you card from a Special Olympics athlete, and the opportunity to attend a four-hour K9 Training Day. Train with members of the K9 Unit and their four-legged partners. This is an opportunity to see the dogs in action, learn how they are trained, ask questions, and participate in some of the drills. Participants have the opportunity to wear the protective bite suit.
• $1,000 donation:
  • YQL K9 shirt, handmade thank-you card from a Special Olympics athlete, K9 Challenge Coin, and the opportunity for a K9 Ride Along – up to 12 hours. If you’ve ever wanted to experience a day in the life of a K9 officer, this is your chance. You can choose an afternoon shift or a night shift. During your shift, you’ll respond to calls, have plenty of opportunities to ask questions, observe the dog at work, engage with officers, and see what a frontline patrol shift with a four-legged partner is really like. There will be a shield between you and the dog in the vehicle and LPS said it will make sure he knows you are one of the good guys.

Those who donate more than $25 will receive tax receipts.

Hyggen has set a goal of raising at least $4,000.

Donations can be made on the Special Olympics Alberta website.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now