Everybody, freeze!
Sixth annual Polar Plunge raises more than $20,000 for Special Olympics
“It offers our local athletes an experience to go away and see Canada and the world. We had our softball team a number of years ago visit Athens, Greece. They went on a cruise. I’ve been away with the team to Vancouver, Ottawa and Saskatchewan.” Janet Bradshaw
A crowd bundled in jackets, scarves and hats flocked to the boardwalk at Green’s Shore Park on Sunday afternoon to support the brave souls taking part in the sixth annual Polar Plunge fundraiser.
Matthew McNally, the organizer of the Polar Plunge, which is part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, says proceeds from the fundraisers help Special Olympic athletes from the province participate in events around the world. The partnership with Special Olympics P.E.I. has been ongoing since 1993.
“We’re close to raising $20,000, and funds are still coming, which was the goal this year and an amazing feat,” he said.
Although the water isn’t inviting this time of year, Janet Bradshaw said she was prepared.
“This is my fourth time doing the Polar Plunge, but I’m used to the cold because I play hockey and do snowshoeing.”
After coaching the Special Olympics for 22 years, Bradshaw acknowledged raising funds for the plunge is well worth it.
“It offers our local athletes an experience to go away and see Canada and the world. We had our softball team a number of years ago visit Athens, Greece. They went on a cruise. I’ve been away with the team to Vancouver, Ottawa and Saskatchewan,” she said.
“The athletes have an opportunity to participate in activities they would never do otherwise. They learn so many life skills participating in the sports and travelling with the teams. They meet friends for life. We have athletes that have been involved for well over 25 years.”
Polar Plunge participant Gerald Arsenault added, “I promised, when I was trying to raise money, that for every $100 donated I would dunk myself under the water once. Since I’m with the Ground Search and Rescue group we raised $300 together, so I went under the water three times.”
He shivered.
“It was pretty cold.”