Windsor-essex Polar Plunge bringing frigid fun downtown
As usual, participants in the upcoming Windsor-essex Polar Plunge will be “freezin’ for a reason” on Feb. 28 — but this time, they’ll be doing it downtown.
The annual fundraising event for Special Olympics Ontario has a new location: outside of the Windsor International Aquatic Centre and Adventure Bay Family Water Park (401 Pitt St. W.).
The outdoor dip has previously been held on the campus of St. Clair College — a community partner in the event.
Staff Sgt. Jeff Mailloux of Windsor police said the polar plunge was relocated downtown to attract more attendees — and, hopefully, more plungers.
“We’re hoping for cold weather,” Mailloux said at a press conference on Tuesday.
This year is the sixth edition of the Windsor-essex Polar Plunge, which is part of a series of polar plunges from January to March in communities across the province.
Mailloux said a total of more than $230,000 has been raised by the local event to date, with all proceeds going to Special Olympics Ontario.
The event has a tradition of participation by senior officers of Windsor Police Service, including now-retired chief Al Frederick in 2016.
At the aquatic centre on Tuesday, new chief Pam Mizuno expressed support for the event — but said she won’t be plunging herself. “It’s cold,” she reasoned.
Deputy Chief Brad Hill, who also jumped last year, said he’ll be taking the dip for Mizuno on Feb. 28.
“It’s cold water. It wasn’t as bad as I thought it’d be, last year, to be quite honest with you,” Hill said. “I think the waiting to jump is worse than the actual landing.”
Hill said he’s still working on getting more of his Windsor police colleagues to join him this time.
Michael Chantler, assistant manager of the aquatic centre, emphasized that the polar plunge will be happening outdoors — contrary to rumours that it will be held in the heated pools of the centre.
Chantler said Adventure Bay will be available to warm up people after their plunge. “It’s a quick run out, a quick dip and then back in the building.”
The event typically draws 100 to 200 local participants. Chantler said he hopes for a record-breaking number this year.
Anyone interested in taking part in Windsor-essex Polar Plunge 2020 should visit polarplunge.ca to register.