Hundreds turn out for annual police run
By Al Beeber - Lethbridge Herald on September 17, 2024.
LETHBRIDGE HERALDabeeber@lethbridgeherald.com Hundreds of runners showed their support for the Special Olympics on Saturday when they turned out for the annual Lethbridge Police Service Run.A total of 696 runners of all ages and abilities ran in either a half-marathon or races of five kilometres or 10-kilometres in length.
All proceeds went to support Special Olympics Alberta. LPS chief Shahin Mehdizadeh and Matt Burton of the Law Enforcement Torch Run held aloft a lit torch before the first group of runners bolted from the start line on the longest run of the three on a cool and sunny morning.
Burton ran one of the races accompanied by Sandy Anderson, one of several Special Olympians who were on hand for the event.
Mehdizadeh told the crowd the run is “for an amazing cause” and gave a shoutout to the Special Olympians on hand to a loud round of applause.
“We have the honour and pleasure of actually doing something positive for them and it’s such a rewarding experience to actually do something to provide an amazing experience for the Special Olympians in our city,” said Mehdizadeh who also thanked all the volunteers on hand for their work in organizing and staging the event.
He said the volunteers’ work helps to provide a better quality of life for the Olympians and thanked the runners for supporting the event every year.
“This not just about running, this is about networking and getting to know each other,” the chief added.
The run, the chief told The Herald on Friday while he participated in the Green Acres Silver Fox Run for the Terry Fox Foundation, is to support the Special Olympics and the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
“It’s an extremely important event for us because we are a huge supporter of the Special Olympics and anytime we can provide a better life for our special athletes in this city and all over the country is always a rewarding experience for all of us,” said the chief.
The run, which has a capacity of 700 participants, is sold out every year.
“We’re so appreciative of the public’s support of the run and what it stands for,” he added. 3
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