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Annual bike trip raising funds for Special Olympics

Jun 8, 2018 | 11:30 AM

LETHBRIDGE – More than a dozen law enforcement officers began a 500 km journey by bicycle Friday morning, June 8.

Members including Lethbridge and Taber police, Canadian Pacific, Alberta Corrections, and Alberta Sheriffs were joined by civilians making their way to Edmonton for the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run Bike Ride for Special Olympics. They began their journey with a ceremony outside the Lethbridge Courthouse.

“Once you’ve worked with some of the Special Olympians, and been around them, their attitude is infectious. Their belief in sport, their strive for excellence, is unparalleled to any athlete I’ve ever met in my life.” 

 

– Matthew Burton

“It is one of the best causes,” Matthew Burton with Alberta Sheriffs said. “Once you’ve worked with some of the Special Olympians, and been around them, their attitude is infectious. Their belief in sport, their strive for excellence, is unparalleled to any athlete I’ve ever met in my life.”

He added they’ll have a bit of a headwind, but no matter the weather, they’re inspired by the struggles faced by Special Olympians to reach the pinnacle of their sport.

Riding with the group for a second year is athlete Brady Paul.

“It’s fun to ride with the cops and meet new people on the ride and have fun with all of them,” he said. “They help us support our athletes and teach us with stuff and give us donations and everything for the athletes to go on big trips.

“It feels pretty good that I get all the support from all these cops.”

During the ceremony, members presented a cheque to the Special Olympics for $11,500. Burton said they have a goal of around $15,000.

“We don’t count the final penny until reach Edmonton, because there are people that will come out along the ride, stop us, and give us $20, $50, $100. They see what we’re out there for, and they love to support us.”

It’s expected they’ll take 24 hours to reach their destination in Edmonton. Drivers in the Lethbridge area are advised to use caution along Highways 3, 23, and 21.