National Law Enforcement Torch Run stops in Coaldale

Sunny South News Photo by Kristine Jean. FLAME OF HOPE: The Flame of Hope, carried by Special Olympic athlete Corbin Mayer, right, arrives in Coaldale on Sunday, Aug. 9, as part of the 2026 National Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Final Leg.

By Kristine Jean
Sunny South News

As athletes, families, law enforcement officials and dignitaries prepare for the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games in Medicine Hat this week, the Flame of Hope made a stop in Coaldale on Sunday, Aug. 9.  

Coaldale was selected as one of the host communities along the route carrying the Flame of Hope to Medicine Hat, as part of the 2026 National Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Final Leg in support of the Special Olympics Canada Summer Games.  

Starting at the Coaldale RCMP Detachment Sunday afternoon, the National Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Final Leg and the Flame of Hope, carried by athlete Corbin Mayer, made their way through the community to the Coaldale Fire Hall where they were welcomed by dignitaries, Coaldale residents and Special Olympic supporters in a short ceremony. 

“The National Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest grassroots fundraising and awareness organization for Special Olympics worldwide. It is our honour to act as guardians of the flame, to carry the Flame of Hope into the opening of local, provincial, national and international competitions for Special Olympics,” said Matthew Burton, Provincial Director with the Alberta Law Enforcement Torch Run. “That flame symbolizes the hope, the determination, and the inclusion of our Special Olympic athletes.”             

The law enforcement team consists of 11 law enforcement officers from across Canada including representatives from Lethbridge Police, RCMP, Alberta Sheriffs, Brandon Police and numerous other police agencies noted Burton. 

“We do this as a build up to the opening ceremonies at every national, international and provincial games, so this is a tradition that the Law Enforcement Torch Run has done since 1981,” he said, adding the torch run began on Aug. 7 and will finish in Medicine Hat on Tuesday Aug. 11.      

“It has now grown to over 100,000 officers globally doing torch run related duties by spreading a message of inclusion about athletes with intellectual disabilities and also, promoting the games for these athletes has evolved too,” said Burton.    

One of the spectators on Sunday, cheering on Corbin Mayer and the Law Enforcement Torch Run team, was Coaldale Special Olympian, 20-year-old Patrick Reed who won a gold medal in the 25 meter freestyle swimming event last year in Grand Prairie. 

Reed said he enjoyed being there to witness the Flame of Hope arriving in Coaldale and shared some encouragement for the athletes competing in Medicine Hat this week. 

“It was an amazing year and good luck in Medicine Hat,” said Reed. 

Town of Coaldale Mayor Jack Van Rijn was in attendance Sunday, to welcome the National Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Final Leg to Coaldale and shared how proud the Town was to be included as one of the host communities carrying the Flame of Hope on its journey to Medicine Hat for the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games.   

“The Flame of Hope represents much more than a torch moving from one community to another. It represents inclusion, determination, friendship and the belief that every person should have the opportunity to participate, compete and be recognized for what they can achieve,” said Van Rijn. “To the Special Olympics athletes who are part of this journey, and to those preparing to compete in Medicine Hat, I want to wish you all the very best. Your commitment, hard work and enthusiasm are an inspiration to the communities that are fortunate enough to be part of this Final Leg.”

The Law Enforcement Torch Run stopped in 15 communities between Aug. 7-11, including Coaldale, Edmonton, St. Albert, Red Deer, Calgary, Banff, Fort MacLeod, Lethbridge, Drumheller Suffield, and Redcliff before making its way to downtown Medicine Hat, the Medicine Hat Police Service and the Solar Plunge Opening Ceremonies on Aug. 11.  

Special Olympic athlete Corbin Mayer shared a few words at the event on Sunday. 

“I am incredibly proud to be the 2026 Final Leg Athlete Torch Runner, and represent Special Olympics athletes from across Canada as we celebrate inclusion, courage, determination and the power of sport,” said Mayer. “Through this I hope to show what Special Olympians can achieve with determination and hard work,” he added noting that disabilities do not define what Special Olympians are capable of and don’t stop them from reaching their goals. “You are helping with the message of inclusion and showing your encouragement for myself and fellow athletes as we prepare to compete at the 2026 Special Olympics Canada Summer Games.”