Motorcycle Competition Organized by Arizona Police Raises Money for Special Olympics
This year, 109 motorcycle officers will be testing their skills at the 22nd Annual Southwest Police Motorcycle Training and Competition (SPMTC). Held from 13th to 14th of April, the SPMTC is a three-fold event that consists of motorcycle training, skills competition and community engagement through support of the Special Olympics.
Established in 1997, the SPMTC started with approximately 35 participants from 7 police agencies, and it has since grown to have around 130 motor officers competing from 25 different agencies. The event provides an excellent opportunity for motorcycle officers to acquire the most current riding techniques; the skills course includes a variety of exercises, such as pair and team riding as well as a slow ride competition. These exercises are designed to enhance the modern motor officer’s abilities and are paid for in the entry fee of USD $75 per rider.
Other than the two days of training, the entry fee also includes a 22nd Anniversary SPMTC t-shirt, one ticket to the awards banquet and a gift bag.
Now, maneuvering the sea of orange cones may look like a relatively easy task, but it is certainly not as simple as the police officers make it out to be. According to retired officer Toby Ehrler, who oversees the running of the 22nd SPMTC, “if they touch a cone, there’s a penalty, if they knock over a cone, there’s a penalty, if they put a foot down or drop the motorcycle there’s substantial penalties.”
Regardless of the challenge, these officers will still be contributing to a better cause. All proceeds raised from SPMTC will go to the athletes of the Special Olympics Arizona through the Law Enforcement Torch Run.