FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, March 23, 2018 10:47am
(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service and Special Olympics Ontario (SOO) are pleased to announce this year’s fundraising for the annual Polar Plunge reached $19,750!
Over 90 plungers braved the winter temperatures with lots of fun (and some questionable) costumes to take the plunge into a tank of freezing water making a splash in support of local athletes.
“Events like the annual Polar Plunge are so important to keep local Special Olympics athletes involved in the sports they love,” said Insp. John McGetrick.
In partnership with the Law Enforcement Torch Run, the Ottawa Police and Special Olympics Ontario would like to thank the plungers and their supporters for contributing to the success of the plunge.
Stay tuned for the 2019 Polar Plunge!
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CONTACT:
Media Relations Section
Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 5366
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, January 24, 2018 12:30pm
Registration is Open | Make a Splash with the 2018 Polar Plunge for Special Olympics
(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service is honoured to host the 4th Annual Polar Plunge for Special Olympics taking place at Algonquin College (north side of ‘P’ Building) on Saturday, March 3, 2018 in partnership with the Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run (OLETR).
The Polar Plunge takes place in several cities across Canada and raises much-needed funds for the athletes and families of Special Olympics Ontario.
“This is our fourth event and it gets more fun every year between the team rivalry, the costumes and the atmosphere,” said Sergeant Amy Bond, captain of Polar Plunge team ‘Ice Ice Ladies’. “It’s such a great cause and a fun event to support our local Special Olympic Athletes who rely solely on fundraising to support their sporting events throughout the year.”
Register online, collect donations, and track your fundraising progress.
Plunging begins at 9:30 am! There is free parking at Algonquin College located at 1385 Woodroffe Avenue.
“The Torch Run in Ontario has always continued to grow and produce tremendous fundraising dollars for Special Olympics, and Polar Plunges bring in some of the highest revenues,” stated Glenn MacDonell, President and CEO of Special Olympics Ontario. “Quite simply, more money means more people with intellectual disabilities will become involved in Special Olympics sport programs and no partnership has had a more profound impact on our movement than the OLETR.”
Athletes range in age from children, youth to adults who have an intellectual disability. Sports and training programs are only possible through funds raised through initiatives like the Polar Plunge.
“These athletes are my heroes, truly,” said Ottawa Police Inspector John McGetrick. “Their perseverance and dedication to their sport, coupled with their enthusiasm and sportsmanship, makes for a really enjoyable team experience for athletes, as well as their families.”
About Special Olympics Ontario
Special Olympics Ontario is part of a global movement that unleashes the human spirit through transformative power and joy of sports. We empower people with intellectual disabilities to become accepted and valued members of their communities, which leads to a more respectful and inclusive society for all. Using sports as the catalyst and programming around health and education, Special Olympics is fighting inactivity, injustice and intolerance. Special Olympics encourages sports and fun, bringing people together and breaks down stereotypes about people with intellectual disabilities through a unified sports approach.
For more information, please visit specialolympicsontario.com
Twitter: @soontario
facebook.com/specialolympicsontario
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CONTACT:
Carolyne Allan
Torch Run Marketing & Events Coordinator
Special Olympics Ontario
Toll-free: 1-888-333-5515, ext. 252
carolynea@specialolympicsontario.com
Inspector John McGetrick
Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 4135
@OttawaPolice
Facebook.com/OttawaPoliceService
instagram.com/ottawapolice