Polar Plunge makes splash for Special Olympics
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 03/03/2025 (397 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Brandon’s freezing waters welcomed 39 daring participants on Saturday as the Polar Plunge returned to the city after a six-year hiatus.
The event, organized by Special Olympics Manitoba with support from the Brandon Police Service, raised nearly $19,000 to support athletes with intellectual disabilities.
The Polar Plunge, an annual fundraiser held in six locations across Manitoba, challenges participants to jump into icy water in support of Special Olympics programs, Fund Development Special Olympics Manitoba director Adell Gauthier told the Sun.
“We have an active program with 175 athletes here in Brandon, and because of the Brandon Police Service, we were able to have this plunge here today,” Gauthier said. “Seeing the community come out and support our athletes feels incredible.”
Most participants were first-time plungers, taking on the challenge to help fund weekly sports programs for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Each participant paid a registration fee and was encouraged to raise additional funds from friends and family.
Tammy Lumax, a Special Olympics Westman athlete who has competed at the provincial, national, and international levels in sports such as floor hockey, bowling, curling and golf, expressed gratitude for the support shown at the event.
“I would like to thank the Brandon Police Service for a great job that they did,” Lumax said. “It’s awesome to see 39 people doing the plunge. I know I wouldn’t do it, but with all these brave plungers today, I would like to thank them very much for supporting Special Olympics in Manitoba.”
Funds raised from the event will help Brandon athletes travel to the Special Olympics Manitoba Provincial Summer Games in Winnipeg this June. Gauthier acknowledged the high costs associated with organizing the games but noted that events like the Polar Plunge make participation possible for many athletes.
“The cost of the games is very high,” she said. “It takes a lot of effort and energy like this to be able to raise funds to offer those games. So it is challenging, but days like today make it easier, seeing how people are so excited to come out and support us.”
The fundraising efforts were further bolstered by the support of local businesses and organizations.
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