Local RCMP officers will be on the other side of the bars Aug. 9 to 11, as members will be locked up on the roof of Walmart for more than 54 hours in support of Special Olympics Alberta athletes.
Melisa Eye, Free our Finest organizer, said the event has occurred in the city for nearly a decade and often raises more than $10,000 each year. She said it’s a fun way to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics athletes.
“This money allows them to get equipment for the activities that they’re participating in and it gives them money to travel to different events,” she said. “It helps get them out and gets them doing things. Especially for individuals with disabilities...it’s a big deal to have them participating in these sports.”
Members “trapped” on the roof won’t “escape” until they feel they’ve raised enough money, Eye said, adding it’s an incentive for people to donate to help free Airdrie’s finest.
She said local police have always been supportive of the event, and the officers “sing, dance and have water fights” throughout their time on the roof to help attract attention and raise funds.
“It’s a really good thing [to see] the different law enforcement agencies that come to participate,” Eye said. “They are always eager to help the athletes and they work closely with [them]. It’s nice to have that relationship with the law enforcement agencies and the athletes.”
Cash donations are accepted throughout the event at the Special Olympics Alberta booth outside the store and through the purchase of a meal at the event’s barbecue.
According to a Special Olympics Alberta release, “programs cater to all ages and a wide range of abilities to over 3,200 athletes in more than 150 communities.” Eye said there will be an opportunity on Aug. 10 for residents to meet some of the local athletes the event supports.
“We want as many people to come and check it out and have a hot dog with us, do a little dance and support the athletes,” she said.
The event takes place Aug. 9 to 11 at the Walmart Supercentre at 2881 Main Street, and RCMP members will be raised onto the roof at 10 a.m. Aug. 9.
For more information visit specialolympics.ca/albertatorchrun
