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(L-R) Red Deer RCMP Cst. Raymond Leonhardt, LETR volunteer and RCMP dispatch supervisor Tracey Duval, athlete Chyanne Robertson, CPO Korey Cleland, and Alberta Sheriff Brad Cotmen at the 'Free Our Finest' event on Friday in north Red Deer. (rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)
'free our finest'

Law enforcement camping out to raise funds for Special Olympics

Aug 16, 2019 | 4:59 PM

Mounties, sheriffs, peace officers and more are taking part this weekend in the annual ‘Free Our Finest’ event to raise funds through the Law Enforcement Torch Run program for Special Olympics Alberta.

Participants are living and sleeping atop scaffolding by the entrance to the north Red Deer Walmart this year for a total of 54 hours.

The fundraiser is the flagship event for LETR and runs through 5 p.m. Sunday.

Korey Cleland, a CPO with Alberta Corrections, shares a personal connection to the cause.

“I have a cousin whose child has Down syndrome, so I like to give back for that reason. Every year, I see the same athletes here and they tell me about their sports, medals and places they’ve been because of events like this, so it’s awe-inspiring,” says Cleland, who is camping out for the fourth year.

“I’ve learned it (intellectual disability) affects a lot more people than most think, and that even though you may have special needs, you can still be a contributing member to society.”

Local 20-year-old and Special Olympics athlete Chyanne Robertson explained what the program has done for her.

“This makes me feel really good because now more athletes can participate and go to tournaments, and go out of town,” she says. “I’ve opened up, and I’ve been recognized to do some of the committee work as well.”

The event is expected to raise around $20,000.

To donate, swing by Walmart before Sunday evening or visit www.SpecialOlympics.ca/albertatorchrun.