EDMONTON, AB, January 23, 2019- Still searching for that New Year’s resolution? Well here is your answer: plunge into a freezing cold lake to support the Special Olympics movement.

Polar Plunge invites people to attend the most chilling event of the year as people come together to plunge into frozen lakes to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics.

On January 27, 150 plungers will brave the freezing waters at Lake Summerside to support Special Olympics athletes.

Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics Alberta is looking to raise $250,000 in 2019 through plunges in five cities across the province.

 “Our Special Olympics athletes face challenges every day and they break down the barriers of isolation and lowered expectations. Breaking through the ice and showing you’re willing to challenge yourself is a small act of solidarity for our Special Olympics athletes. We can’t wait to see all the fearless plungers and supporters. For a third year, we have Mr. Lube on board to sponsor our Polar Plunge events across Alberta,” said Johnny Byrne, Special Olympics Alberta CEO and president.

This year, participating law enforcement agencies are: Edmonton Police Service, RCMP, Strathcona Enforcement, Alberta Sheriffs, Alberta Corrections, University of Alberta Enforcement, Alberta Fish & Wildlife, Alberta Health Services Protective Services and Alberta Parks.

Notable plungers braving the cold in Edmonton are: Olympic medalist, Jamie Sale, Edmonton Police Service Interim Chief Kevin Brezinski, RCMP K Division Criminal Operations Officer John Ferguson, Special Olympics Alberta CEO Johnny Byrne, and Edmonton Police Association President, Sgt. Michael Elliott. There will also be Special Olympics athletes taking the plunge including Team Canada athlete Connor Bissett.

Polar Plunge Edmonton Event Details

Venue: Lake Summerside, 1720 88 St. SW
Registration: 11:00 a.m.
Plunging Starts: 12 p.m.
Plunging Ends: 1 p.m.

Dedicated fundraisers earn incentives like towels and bags courtesy of Mr. Lube, flip-flops and they can qualify for provincial awards if they reach top fundraising status. Plungers can stay for the party with fun activities like hot tubs and ice skating, enjoy hot dogs and coffee or hot chocolate from the Tim Hortons truck.

 

2019 Polar Plunge Alberta

Edmonton January 27 at 12:00 p.m. at Lake Summerside

Lethbridge: February 2 at 11:00 a.m. at Henderson Lake Park
Calgary: February 23 at 10:00 a.m. Arbour Lake
Red Deer: March 9 at 12:00 p.m. Bower-Kin Community Center
Medicine Hat: March 16 at 10:00 a.m. at Family Leisure Centre

 

In 2018, the Polar Plunge raised over $223,000 with over 500 plungers in the five cities. All event locations are open for registration at www.alberta.polarplunge.ca. To take part, each plunger will raise $75 from pledge donations.

“After a successful 2018 campaign where Alberta Mr. Lube Franchisees and customers raised $24,152 for Special Olympics, we are thrilled to be participating again in 2019.  What an amazing way to celebrate Canadian spirit and keep Special Olympics athlete’s dreams alive.  Mr. Lube is ecstatic to sponsor and fundraise once again and look forward to another successful effort by all involved,” said Jason Guenter, Mr. Lube Canada CEO.

For more details and photos on Polar Plunge Alberta, go to www.alberta.polarplunge.ca, You can find past year’s photos and videos from each of the events on Facebook /plungealberta or Twitter #PolarPlungeAB, #PolarPlungeYEG, #PolarPlungeYYC, #PolarPlungeYQL, #PolarPlungeMedHat, #PolarPlungeYQF.

 

Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Alberta

Internationally the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics is the largest grassroots fundraiser and awareness vehicle for Special Olympics. More than 85,000 law enforcement officers from 10 Canadian provinces and 3 territories, the 50 United States, and 46 countries internationally form the largest grass roots fundraiser for Special Olympics. Last year in Alberta, over $627,000 was raised across the province, benefiting local programs. For more information on the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Alberta, please visit www.albertatorchrun.ca. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter @Alberta_LETR and Instagram @albertatorchrun.

 

Special Olympics Alberta

Special Olympics Alberta is dedicated to enriching the lives of Albertans with intellectual disabilities through the transformative power and joy of sport. Our vision is that sport will open hearts and minds towards people with intellectual disabilities and create inclusive communities.

Special Olympics Alberta’s programs cater to all ages and a wide range of abilities to over 3,200 athletes in more than 150 communities. We provide world class sports programs that are run daily by over 1,200 volunteers. For more information on Special Olympics Alberta, visit, www.specialolympics.ca/alberta and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Flickr, and YouTube.

-   30    -

For more information please contact:

Lorrie Sitler
Provincial Law Enforcement Torch Run Manager
P: 780-608-8360
E: LSitler@specialolympics.ab.ca 

 

Kiefer Sutherland
Marketing and Communications
Special Olympics Alberta
P: 780-422-5505
C: 780-446-3956
ksutherland@specialolympics.ab.ca