Across the province, hundreds of brave participants made a splash for an incredible cause in the 2025 Polar Plunge® for Special Olympics BC in partnership with the Law Enforcement Torch Run®.
This year’s event shattered records, raising over $350,000 for amazing Special Olympics BC athletes with intellectual disabilities. Funds raised will help play a vital part in helping athletes find purpose, friendships, and fitness through the Special Olympics sport, youth, and health programs that matter so much to them.
Brave Plungers got bold and cold through the Personal Polar Plunge and in community events across the province.
At the Vancouver Plunge at Kitsilano Beach, Special Olympics BC – Vancouver athlete Mathew Schmiing told Plungers all that Special Olympics means to him.
“Special Olympics is important because it teaches us valuable life skills, gives us opportunities to be positive role models, and creates lifelong friendships. Special Olympics has helped shape who I am on and off the fields of play,” Schmiing says.
At the Vancouver Island Plunge at Cadboro-Gyro Beach, Victoria Police Department’s Chief Constable Del Manak spoke to Saanich News about his experience.
“I couldn't be more proud to be here on a wet weekend jumping into the ocean for such a great cause,” said Manak, who went on to be the top fundraising law enforcement member.
“I'm retiring at the end of August after 35 years in policing. This is my final year, and I think that my organization … wanted to give me a good send-off and make sure they had a great turnout and raised the most amount of money that we've raised. It's amazing to see.”
Plungers braved the cold waters from Castlegar to Langley, Kamloops to Chilliwack, and Abbotsford to Ridge Meadows, all to make a difference for Special Olympics BC athletes and programs.
Celebrating #Plunge4SOBC award winners
Congratulations to all the event’s top fundraising individuals and teams!
Find all plunge award and prize winners
Thank you for making an impact!
We are so grateful to the volunteer champions with the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics BC, as well as all Plunge participants, donors, supporters, and sponsors!
Event Partner: Prospera Credit Union
Community Partner: Dueck Auto Group
Media Sponsors: Citytv, Jack 96.9, OMNI Television, and 1130 NewsRadio Vancouver
A big shoutout to all the communities across the province that held Plunge events headed by law-enforcement members:
- Abbotsford
- Castlegar
- Chilliwack
- Cranbrook
- Kamloops
- Langley
- Nelson
- North Shore
- Powell River
- Ridge Meadows
- Rocky Point
- South Okanagan
- Surrey
- Vancouver Island
- Vancouver
And thank you to everyone who took the Personal Polar Plunge!