Local Polar Plunge fundraiser surpasses $21K
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Brandon residents and Brandon Police Service recruits braved icy waters for a good cause as the 2026 Polar Plunge raised more than $21,000 to support local athletes with intellectual disabilities.
The event, part of the annual Polar Plunge fundraising series, saw about 50 participants take the plunge this year. Organized in support of Special Olympics Manitoba, the fundraiser helps provide opportunities for athletes to train and compete in sports across the province.
The turnout and fundraising results surpassed last year’s donations, event organizer Const. Jordan Barbeau told the Sun on Saturday.
Brandon Police Service Const. Jordan Barbeau (right) and Const. Denis Dufault, organizers of the Polar Plunge fundraising series, pose for a picture behind the Brandon University Healthy Living Centre shortly after the event on Saturday afternoon. (Abiola Odutola/The Brandon Sun)
“We raised over $21,000,” Barbeau said. “Our goal was just to beat last year’s total, which was about $20,000, so we were happy to go a little bit above that.”
The Brandon plunge is the fourth of nine events scheduled across Manitoba this year. Proceeds from the plunges directly support more than 2,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities who participate in 17 sports through Special Olympics programming.
Funds raised in Brandon will help local athletes from the Westman region who are preparing to compete at the upcoming Special Olympics Canada National Summer Games in Medicine Hat, Alta., scheduled for Aug. 11-15.
Barbeau said the fundraising helps remove financial barriers for the athletes.
“All the funds raised here support our local Special Olympics athletes,” he said. “It alleviates the cost associated with registering for the games, travelling to the games and covering food and accommodations while they’re there. It allows them to focus more on the friendly competition and just having fun.”
Several athletes also attended the event to show their support, with Barbeau estimating that about six athletes were present during the plunge.
The event is meaningful because it helps create opportunities for athletes who may otherwise face barriers, co-organizer Const. Denis Dufault told the Sun.
“It’s a great cause and a great event,” Dufault said. “It’s something where we can give back to the community and its athletes. Not all of them have equal opportunities, so this helps give everyone a chance to pursue what they’re passionate about in sports and achieve what they’re looking to achieve.”
Dufault added that funds raised will help ensure athletes can travel and participate in the national competition later this year.
The annual Polar Plunge continues to grow across Manitoba, with communities coming together to support athletes and celebrate the spirit of inclusion through sport.
» aodutola@brandonsun.com
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