Many neatly pressed uniforms are set to get soaked on February 16. Law enforcement members will join Special Olympics athletes and other fearless participants to charge into chilly waters at the Vancouver Island Polar Plunge for Special Olympics BC. This frigid and fun event at Willows Beach will raise funds and awareness for SOBC’s life-changing year-round sport, youth, and health programs for people with intellectual disabilities.
“We are very grateful to all the law enforcement members and other brave Plungers who support Special Olympics BC athletes through this fun and inclusive event,” SOBC President & CEO Dan Howe says. “You may only spend a few moments in the freezing water, but your impact will be felt for far longer – because funds raised will help change lives across the province.”
Staged in partnership with the Law Enforcement Torch Run for SOBC, the Vancouver Island Polar Plunge will see champions from many agencies get bold and cold, including members of B.C. Sheriff Services, Canada Border Services Agency, Central Saanich Police Service, Oak Bay Police Department, RCMP, Saanich Police Department, Victoria Police Department, and The 5th (British Columbia) Field Artillery Regiment. They will plunge alongside corporate teams, Special Olympics athletes, and other courageous participants.
“VicPD officers are excited to be part of the Polar Plunge again this year,” says Victoria Police Department Chief Constable and BC LETR Executive Council member Del Manak. “We’re looking forward to braving the cold waters in support of Special Olympics BC and the tremendous work they do in enriching the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities by providing them with opportunities to celebrate personal achievements through positive sport experiences.”
The event will include live music, law enforcement vehicle displays, and plenty of prizes and giveaways. Funds raised will support Special Olympics BC’s high-quality programs and competitions for more than 5,200 athletes in 55 communities around the province. The 2019 Vancouver Island Polar Plunge raised more than $30,000 for SOBC.
At last year’s Plunge, SOBC – Victoria athlete Sheenagh Morrison told participants that they are brave like Special Olympics athletes.
“Jumping into water that cold takes a lot of courage,” she said. “It is an example of someone overcoming a barrier to accomplish something. In this case, overcoming the freezing water to take the Plunge and support others. This reminds me of what Special Olympics does for us athletes. Many of us have to overcome challenges to achieve our goals.”
All are welcome to register for the Vancouver Island Polar Plunge as a team or an individual at www.plunge4specialolympics.com. Supporters can also help by volunteering – please send contact details to [email protected] – or making a donation to the Polar Plunge.
Big thanks to Vancouver Island Polar Plunge Photo Booth Sponsor McIntosh Mortgages, Volunteer Sponsor The Neal Estate Team, Hot Beverage Sponsor Serious Coffee Millstream Village, and Breakfast Sponsor Thrifty Foods.
Date: Sunday, February 16
Schedule: 10 a.m. Plungers check in
11 a.m. Plunge
Place: Willows Beach, Oak Bay
For more information, please visit plunge4specialolympics.com