The torch was lit outside of Lethbridge City Hall to kick off the Final Leg Torch Run for the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games, February 23, 2024. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Lethbridge kicks off torch runs for Special Olympics Canada Winter Games

Feb 23, 2024 | 12:03 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – The Special Olympics are set to get underway in Calgary next week, but dozens of athletes took part in a torch lighting ceremony in Lethbridge in the lead up to that.

On Friday, February 23, 2024, Special Olympics athletes kicked off the Final Leg Torch Run in the city, going from Lethbridge City Hall to Galt Gardens.

Braylon Hyggen, Constable with the Lethbridge Police Service and an organizer of the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR), said he has been working with the Special Olympics for the last 15 years, but getting everything ready this time has been his biggest task yet.

“I’m trying to bring everyone in from across Canada together. We have law enforcement members from coast-to-coast, including the Yukon, so the territories as well,” said Hyggen.

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Organizer Matthew Burton added that it was such an incredible feeling to see how many people, from athletes, law enforcement, dignitaries, and members of the public came out to the event.

“Special Olympics as grown so immensely over the last 20 years,” said Burton. “In 1987, we brought the Law Enforcement Torch Run program into Canada, and now we’re seeing over 2,000 officers from Canada who are taking part in their provinces, doing fundraising, doing events like this, all in an effort to spread the message of inclusion for Special Olympics athletes.”

David Nelsonhall was the flag-bearer for the torch run in Lethbridge. The Calgary athlete is set to compete in track-and-field events in his first Special Olympics.

Nelsonhall said it has been fun to help organize the Final Leg Torch Run and “amazing” to make so many new friends.

The Final Leg Torch Run also helps to raise money to support Special Olympics athletes. Since 1981, the LETR has raised more than $500 million worldwide.

As listed on the Special Olympics Alberta website, the Final Leg Torch Run will be making the following stops over the next few days.

DAY 1 – February 23, 2024

• Kick off at Lethbridge at City Hall
• Coaldale Run
• Taber Run
• Brooks Run
• Medicine Hat Run from City Hall to Police HQ
• Medicine Hat Polar Plunge

DAY 2 – February 24, 2024

• Calgary Polar Plunge
• Canmore Polar Plunge/Splash
• Canmore Snowy Owl Tours Dog sled Torch Ride
• Banff Avenue Run

DAY 3 – February 25, 2024

• Run from Red Deer Polytechnic to Alberta Sports Hall of Fame
• Red Deer Polar Plunge

DAY 4 – February 26, 2024

• Camrose Run
• Edmonton Run, EPS Headquarters to City Hall to Ice District

DAY 5 – February 27, 2024

• Airdrie Run
• Presentation & Run through Chinook Mall with TD Bank
• Saddledome Run
• Opening Ceremonies Nutrien Centre at 8:00pm

The Special Olympics Canada Winter Games take place in Calgary from February 27-March 2, 2024.

Approximately 1,250 athletes, coaches, managers, and mission staff are set to compete in eight different events. It also serves as a qualifying competition for the Special Olympics World Winter Games in 2025.

For more information on the Games and how to stream the event online, go to Calgary2024.SpecialOlympics.ca

Dozens took part in the Final Leg Torch Run for the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Lethbridge, February 23, 2024. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

Dozens took part in the Final Leg Torch Run for the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Lethbridge, February 23, 2024. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

Dozens took part in the Final Leg Torch Run for the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Lethbridge, February 23, 2024. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

Dozens took part in the Final Leg Torch Run for the Special Olympics Canada Winter Games in Lethbridge, February 23, 2024. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now

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