In about two weeks, Northumberland OPP and Brighton Fire and Rescue will take their first-ever collaborative “plunge” in support of Special Olympics athletes.
In partnership with Special Olympics Ontario, the first-time “Polar Plunge” event is set for Saturday, March 30 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Municipality of Brighton’s government dock at 70 Bayshore Rd.
“This event is being held in support of athletes with intellectual disabilities,” explains OPP Const. Kimberly Johnston. “This is an incredible opportunity for our community to come together to empower our many local Special Olympic athletes and athletes throughout Ontario who inspire us every day with their dedication, perseverance and sportsmanship.”
The fundraiser helps athletes through year-round training, competition opportunities, community programs, and more, ensuring Special Olympics can continue to grow and thrive – and more athletes get the chance to develop skills, build confidence, and experience the joy of sport, explain organizers.
Johnston tells us more about the ultimate inspiration behind first-responders’ decision to take the plunge.
If you’re unfamiliar with the event, it’s all in the name – participants make a splash during a daring plunge into icy waters, all with the hopes of raising funds and awareness for Special Olympics.
For their first-ever plunge, fire and police set an ambitious fundraising target, but Johnston says the cause is one the community is getting behind.
If you’re interested in helping out, there’s still time, notes Johnston.
Whether you’re wanting to dive in, donate, sign up or register, the team has more information available online. (Organizers have also rolled out a handy QR code.)
That’s right – you can jump in and “freeze for a reason” too – or donate to your favourite team or cheer from the sidelines. And this type of support, it literally has the power to transform lives, notes Johnston.
For those who are planning on getting in on the action, Johnston has a few tips/reminders: Bring a towel for drying off and warming up and old or waterproof shoes (all plungers are required to wear shoes at all times); a plastic bag to transport wet clothing, and a friend to greet you with a towel/blanket after coming out of the water.
Participants can also dress up in costume or sport attire representing teams and the like.
Organizers have also noted that a burn barrel will be onsite to help people warm up and a warm change area. As an added bonus, Tim Hortons is donating hot drinks and doughnuts for participants.
Additional corporate sponsors who’ve signed on to help include Tri-County Plastics, Vanderlaan Building Products Ltd., and Bill’s Johns. Sponsorship opportunities remain for those interested, with more information available via the website or by calling Johnston at the local OPP detachment at 613-475-1313.
And Johnston tells us the hope is this is just the beginning.
Presented by the Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run – a volunteer movement committed to increasing awareness and fundraising for Special Olympics Ontario athletes – the Polar Plunge event originally started off as a small fundraising effort, but has grown to stretch across the province, raising millions since its inception. Over the years, the event has attracted thousands to take the “plunge” in support of more than 20,000 athletes.
“The Polar Plunge is more than just a fundraiser – it’s a celebration of inclusion, determination, and the power of sport to change lives,” echoed Insp. Kristy McNaughton, who also serves as Northumberland OPP’s detachment commander. McNaughton is also set to brave the icy waters come March 30.
“Your support makes a real difference in the lives of athletes across Ontario,” says McNaughton. “Join us on March 30 and be part of something special. Let’s take the plunge together and show our commitment to creating a more inclusive community.”
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)