Approximately 700 athletes from across the country will be descending on St. Albert this week for the Special Olympic Canada Winter Games which started Tuesday.
Torch runners have been making their way across the capital region over the last few days in anticipation of the games. The ceremonial flame has made its way through nine communities in the capital region, including Jasper National Park.
A group of athletes, organizers and police officers braved the cold outside a Fort Saskatchewan school Tuesday morning to run with the flame.
Constable Amanda Trenchard with the Edmonton City Police was in the group Tuesday she said police officers have a great responsibility when it comes to the Special Olympic Canada Torch.
"We are the guardians of the flame. We carry the flame of hope, to bring hope to all people," Trenchard said, "It has been phenomenal the schools, we've been in today, the kids, the energy just keep us going, it's been fantastic."
Sports included in the games include; floor hockey, speed skating, figure skating, cross-country skiing, alpine skiing, snowshoeing and curling.
The competition will continue through March 3rd at venues across St. Albert, Strathcona County and Jasper.
