Special Olympics Tennessee hosted its first Law Enforcement Torch Run Train 4 Life™ session at CrossFit East Nashville. Athletes and officers from the Metro Nashville Police Department worked out side by side during an afternoon focused on fitness, connection, and community.
Train 4 Life™ began in Tennessee with the goal of helping athletes stay active and healthy outside of their sport-specific seasons. Through strength and conditioning opportunities, athletes continue building confidence while preparing for future competition. The program also creates spaces where relationships can grow and community can flourish.
Made possible through the support of the Dettwiller Foundation, the statewide sponsor of Tennessee Law Enforcement Torch Run, this session brought athletes and officers together to train while strengthening the relationships at the heart of the LETR movement.
For Officer Austin Bass of Metro Nashville Police Department, the significance of these moments extends well beyond the gym. When asked what Special Olympics means to him, Bass reflected on the perspective athletes provide.
Special Olympics athletes are always optimistic. They're very happy. When you encounter Special Olympics athletes that are just so full of life and so excited to do things that you might take for granted in your day-to-day life, it's really cool to see. Maybe you're tired or maybe you don't want to be there that day, but when you see that attitude, it's hard not to put things into perspective. It's contagious and infectious.
Although he wasn't participating in the workout itself, Bass said seeing everyone rally around the athletes was what inspired him most.
"What motivated me was seeing all the parts come together and seeing just how invested everybody else is in this community as well," he said. "I'm really excited to see where this program goes."
Among the athletes participating was Carter Cottrell, a Special Olympics Tennessee golfer preparing to represent Team Tennessee at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games. Between training at CrossFit East Nashville and sharpening his skills on the golf course, Cottrell is working toward one of the biggest competitions of his athletic career.
When asked what he enjoyed most about the workout, Cottrell's answer was simple.
"Hanging out with friends and moving my body."
Cottrell has been involved in Train 4 Life™ for several seasons. When asked what keeps him coming back, he didn't hesitate.
"Hanging out with friends."
While Cottrell's answer was succinct, it said a lot. Train 4 Life™ has become about more than preparing for competition or getting stronger in the gym. It's about the people. Seeing familiar faces, encouraging one another, and building friendships keeps athletes coming back. Cottrell's response is a reminder that the heart of Train 4 Life™ is the community and sense of belonging it creates.
He also spoke about the impact of having law enforcement involved in the program. Their presence, he shared, helps him feel safe and supported. When asked what he would say to the officers training alongside him, Cottrell responded:
"Thank you for what you've done."
One of the most memorable moments came on the flip side when Officer Bass was questioned on a phrase of encouragement he would give the athletes.
"I don't think they need encouragement," he said with a laugh. "They're so motivated. I would give officers the encouragement. If they can do it and they can show up with that positive attitude, we can too."
Train 4 Life™ helps athletes maintain their fitness between seasons, but sessions like this reveal an even greater impact. Athletes strengthen their bodies while building confidence. Officers gain perspective while forming genuine relationships. Everyone leaves reminded of the power of showing up for one another.
Special Olympics Tennessee extends its gratitude to the Dettwiller Foundation for helping make this session possible. Thank you to CrossFit East Nashville for welcoming athletes and officers into its space. Thank you to Metro Nashville Police Department for its continued support of Special Olympics athletes across Tennessee.
As Team Tennessee prepares for the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, Train 4 Life™ continues to provide athletes opportunities to stay active while strengthening relationships with law enforcement officers and community partners.