Everyone gathered at the sendoff ceremony at CASA

By Aaron Mahoney

Biking to Edmonton

Local police members set off for Alberta Law Enforcement Torch Run in support of Special Olympics

Jun 7, 2019 | 12:15 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – It’s a partnership that may be as fulfilling for one side as it is for the other.

Members from Alberta Sheriffs, Lethbridge Police, Blood Tribe Police, Taber Police, Alberta Corrections, Alberta Parks, as well as the Canadian Military and other civilian participants hit the road this morning to take part in the 15th annual Alberta Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) 500km Provincial Bike Ride.

The bike ride, which directly supports Special Olympics Alberta, will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, June 8, where cyclists will go from Lethbridge to Edmonton, riding throughout the night in every imaginable weather possible.

Riders from both Lethbridge and Fort McMurray simultaneously departed for Edmonton on Friday morning.

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Matt Burton speaking at the ceremony

Southwest Vice-Chair of the LETR, Matt Burton, says the point of the bike ride is to raise funds for Special Olympics Alberta.

“The Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics Alberta have been ingrained in cooperation with each other for the last 20 plus years. Our enjoyment that we get out of doing these events is seeing the look on the athlete’s faces. The inclusion that they get through sport, the excitement that they get through participating in these events, that’s what we’re here for,” Burton said.

At the end of their journey, these riders will be met by Special Olympics athletes, coaches, spectators and the public at a welcoming ceremony at the Edmonton Croatia Soccer Club. It’s estimated that over 50 riders in total will make this journey all to raise funds and awareness for the Alberta Special Olympics.

Some of the athletes on hand

Burton explained the reason why it’s so important to support this initiative.

“When you see the look on an athlete’s face when they’re competing in sport, especially the Special Olympics athletes, they’ve overcome unique disabilities and have been able to compete at such a high level that it’s just an awe-inspiring sight,” he stated.

To date, they’ve raised just over $500,000 from this ride alone, and today out of Lethbridge they had 12 members set off that will be cycling to Edmonton, as well as eight support staff.

“Community is a connection, especially when it comes to the Alberta Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Olympics. The connection that we get between these two entities is inspiring when it comes to how it will impact the athlete’s lives.”