The first time Constable Frank Kovacs became involved with Special Olympics was over 30 years ago. As a rookie left winger playing for the Regina Pats, Cst. Kovacs was an honoured guest at a Special Olympics event being held in North Battleford. It was his first one on one interaction with our athletes. It was an event that made a lasting impact on him.
“When I was in North Battleford I got to see firsthand how amazing these athletes were! Their dedication to the sport, their amazing determination and will to do their absolute best at their sport will forever be in my mind.”
Prior to that he had only known our athletes as the most dedicated and loyal fans on the other side of the glass at the Pat’s games. When Cst, Kovacs joined the Regina Police Service in 2004 he immediately started to reconnect with Special Olympics in Regina. He began by organizing floor hockey games between RPS officers and Special Olympics Regina athletes. Soon Frank was popping up at Special Olympics Saskatchewan and LETR events across the province. He has organized RPS Truck Pull Teams for the World’s Largest Truck Convoy, volunteered to serve coffee at Cops and Crepes, and been a lead organizer in the Polar Plunge.
Saskatchewan LETR has been so fortunate to have Cst. Kovacs on their official team for the past few years. As much as we benefit from his generosity, he feels he gains the same.
“Special Olympics means so much to me. It allows people with disabilities to be a part of our community just like everyone else. The athletes should not be defined by their disabilities but by their amazing will to win. Special Olympics athletes will always put a smile on your face when you are interacting with them as they are the most caring and loving people.”
Being an athlete himself, Cst. Kovacs greatly understands the universal language of sport. Things like age, gender, or ability, don’t matter and we are all able to come together to play sports.
“I volunteer my time for LETR because it’s something I strongly believe in! When I played hockey for the Regina Pats some of our most devoted, passionate fans were Special Olympics athletes. They had our backs no matter what. So for me to volunteer my time to help raise funds for these athletes to continue having fun, staying active and bringing joy to their lives is an absolute no brainer!”
Of all the reasons we are lucky to have Cst. Kovacs on our team, we are most grateful to have him protecting our communities. Cst. Kovacs gives so much to his community outside of Special Olympics and deserves a round of applause for all he does. From the staff and athletes of Special Olympics Saskatchewan we say thank you, for all that you do.
Are you in law enforcement and interested in becoming involved with Law Enforcement Torch Run? Please contact LETR Liaison, Jeff Zerr at jzerr@specialolympics.sk.ca
“It is a great feeling to be able to use my time to raise funds and awareness for the athletes! To be a part of LETR is an amazing opportunity for anyone who truly wants to make a difference in people's lives. I know for a fact LETR makes a difference and impacts the lives of the athletes, but also by being involved in LETR your life will also be impacted in a very positive way! I highly recommend giving it a try, you will not be disappointed.”
