Skip to content

Officers brave heat, rain to support Special Olympics

Four local officers braved extreme heat and smoky conditions to raise funds for Airdrie’s Special Olympics athletes during the annual Free the Finest event Aug. 10 to 12, in support of the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
Uniform Support
(From left) Cory Shultz, Jessica Van Der Hoek, Mat Petersen and Brian Savage survey the ground from their temporary home atop scaffolding at the Walmart Aug. 10. The group spent the weekend on the scaffolding as part of this year’s Free the Finest event in support of Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Alberta.

Four local officers braved extreme heat and smoky conditions to raise funds for Airdrie’s Special Olympics athletes during the annual Free the Finest event Aug. 10 to 12, in support of the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

Event Co-ordinator Melisa Eye said the event – now in its fifth year – raises funds to purchase supplies to help local Special Olympic athletes participate in sports throughout the year. Even more importantly, she said, the event is an opportunity to show support for the athletes and promote their inclusion in the community.

“A lot of times, you’ll see that people living with disabilities are not necessarily included in the community,” Eye said. “I think it’s important to promote social inclusion…and I think it’s important for our individuals to have the opportunity to participate in sports, just like everyone else.”

Alberta Corrections officer Mat Petersen, Alberta Health Services paramedic Jessica Van Der Hoek, Airdrie RCMP officer Cory Schultz and Alberta Sheriff Brian Savage spent the weekend living and sleeping atop a temporarily-erected scaffold. The four officers were hoisted to their new, short-term living conditions shortly after 10 a.m. Aug 10, and came down around 4 p.m. Aug. 12.

Prior to mounting the scaffolding in the middle of an extreme heat wave, Schultz – participating for the first time – said he was excited to take part in the fundraiser.

“It’s a worthy cause,” he said. “We live a life without disabilities. These people go out every day, they compete in the Special Olympics. This is just a small part I can play to raise money and show my support for them.”

While atop the scaffolding, the four officers interacted with donors and passersby at Walmart, spraying water guns, launching water balloons and tossing candy. They also took part in four scheduled dances and sang to the crowds.

Van Der Hoek said despite the extreme heat Aug. 10 and rain the following day, everyone stayed in good spirits and turnout for the event was phenomenal. From her perspective as a participant, she said the event was a success and felt the message it sent was important.

“I believe that everybody should have the opportunity to participate in sports,” Van Der Hoek said. “These athletes spend a lot of time training and getting good at what they do, so I think it’s important for people like myself – that wear a uniform, that can get up there and make a difference – to do it.”

Prior to the event, Eye said the goal was to raise at least $10,000. In the end, the fundraiser generated $8,333.60. Despite falling slightly short of their goal, Eye called the event a success, adding that past and present support for the event – both from sponsors and donors – points to Airdrie’s larger support of Special Olympics athletes in the community.

“The athletes know that we’re behind them,” Eye said. “It shows that the community is behind them and I think it’s a good reminder to the athletes that they’re very important to us and we want them to succeed in their day-to-day life and in the future, as well.”

push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks