No amount of Jack Frost’s ice, snow and freezing cold could keep our brave plungers from diving into frozen lakes! More than 650 people bravely took the plunge at four Polar Plunge events from January to March and raised over $167,000.
“Thank you to all our plungers,” said Johnny Byrne, president and CEO of Special Olympics Alberta.
“We raised all-time highs of over $167,000. We are super pumped that we were joined by members of the Calgary Stampeders, Olympic gold medalist, elected officials and we even had Rick Mercer make a surprise appearance. What an event!”
This annual event draws dare devils and devoted plungers who come together to raise funds for Special Olympics Alberta. For the Polar Plunge 2017 season, events were held in Calgary, Edmonton, Lethbridge and Medicine Hat, with each event making a splash and showing off their city’s pride of winter and their Special Olympics athletes.
Polar Plunge is the one of the most fun and exciting events that is presented by the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Alberta. Over 18 different law enforcement agencies, personnel and volunteers helped make Polar Plunge Alberta a great success.
“I want to extend a special thanks to all the athletes who are involved in Special Olympics who allowed us to be involved in this event and to be part of this special movement,” said Marlin Degrand, assistant commissioner of RCMP.
Special Olympics Alberta would like to thank the partners that made the event a big hit in Alberta like provincial partner William Huff Advertising, presenting local sponsors: Edmonton Bavaria BMW, Lake Summerside, Arbour Lake, City of Lethbridge and City of Medicine Hat.
For more details and photos on Polar Plunge Alberta, go to www.alberta.polarplunge.ca or check out photos and videos from each of the events on Facebook /plungealberta or Twitter #PolarPlungeAB, #PolarPlungeYEG, #PolarPlungeYYC, #PolarPlungeYQL, #PolarPlungeMedHat.
Check out a full video with Special Olympics Alberta president and CEO, Johnny Byrne, Assistant Commissioner, Marlin Degrand and Special Olympics Alberta athlete, Josh Petrone.