SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. - A crowd bundled in jackets, scarves and hats flocked to the boardwalk at Green’s Shore Park on Sunday afternoon to support groups of participants plunging through the slabs of frozen water, while all for a good cause.
And thanks to the recent snowfall and dip in temperatures, it was a brisk atmosphere at the sixth annual fundraiser.
“We’re close to raising $20,000 and funds are still coming, which was the law enforcements goal this year and an amazing feat. The Law Enforcement Torch Run are the largest fundraising arm for Special Olympics P.E.I.,” said Matthew McNally, the organizer of the polar plunge.
Proceeds help the Special Olympic athletes on the province participate in events nationwide and around the world.
“Since 1993, the law enforcement has partnered with Special Olympics P.E.I. They are the guardians of the flame and have been working hard with the 2018 Bowling Championships Committee, who are hosting the 10 and 5-Pin national championships in May.
“They will do final the Leg Torch Run in the Opening Ceremonies,” said McNally.
Although the water isn’t inviting this time of year, Janet Bradshaw said she was prepared.
“This is my fourth time doing the polar plunge, but I’m use to the cold because I play hockey and do snowshoeing.”
After coaching the Special Olympics for 22 years, Bradshaw acknowledged raising funds for the plunge is well worth it.
“It offers our local athletes an experience to go away and see Canada and the world. We had our softball team a number of years ago visit Athens in Greece. They went on a cruise. I’ve been away with the team to Vancouver, Ottawa and Saskatchewan.
“The athletes have an opportunity to participate in activities they would never do otherwise. They learn so many life skills participating in the sports and travelling with the teams. They meet friends for life. We have athletes that have been involved for well-over 25 years.”
Bradshaw continued, “We’re always looking for more athletes, volunteers and coaches. You don’t have to have any experience, you just need to have enthusiasm, and you get so much more back from being involved in the Special Olympics. It’s well worth time spent.”
Brave participant Gerald Arsenault added, “I promised when I was trying to raise money that for every $100 donated I would dunk myself under the water once. Since I’m with the Ground Search and Rescue group we raised $300 together, so I went under the water three times.
“It was pretty cold,” he concluded, with a shiver.
