A Lethbridge police officer will represent the Alberta Law Enforcement Torch Run at the 2023 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Berlin next month. Constable Braylon Hyggen was chosen to be one of fewer than 100 officers from around the world to help carry the Flame of Hope to the opening ceremonies.
“I was selected quite a few years ago when the games were initially in Sweden—they pulled out because of funding issues and then obviously it changed over the Russia and we didn’t go to Russia for obvious reasons and during the pandemic there was a bunch of hiccups and finally Germany has stepped up and announced last year that they will be hosting the world games,” Hyggen says. “To be one out of less than 100 members from around the world, it’s a huge honour.”
He, along with other officers from around the world and athletes, will carry the torch through 16 communities in Berlin and Brandenberg between June 14 -17 to raise awareness and promote acceptance and inclusion.
Hyggen is taking part in fundraising efforts to help offset the costs for the 10 Albertan athletes heading to the games. The Lethbridge Police Service is offering opportunities for exclusive experiences with the K9 unit to raise funds.
A $500 donation will get a Lethbridge K9 shirt, a handmade thank-you card from a Special Olympics athlete and a K9 demo. The demonstration will provide a close-up look at the capabilities of a police dog from tracking and searching to apprehensions.
A $750 donation will get the shirt, card and an opportunity to attend a four-hour K9 training day.
A donation of $1,000 will get the shirt, thank you card, K9 challenge coin and the opportunity for a K9 ride-along up to 12 hours. Those who participate will get to respond to calls with officers, ask questions and see a police dog at work.
“We will take multiple donations and I am hoping to raise a minimum of $4,000,” Hyggen says. “Everything that goes to this benefits our athletes here in Alberta. Not only do we have these world games coming up, but we also have the national games coming up in Calgary in February of 2024.”
All donations will go to the Special Olympics, with half of it going directly to travel expenses for athletes. Any amount is accepted for donations and LPS says tax receipts will be provided for contributions over $25.
Donations can be made online.