Local first responders are making a splash in cold waters Wednesday for good reason.
Members of the North Vancouver RCMP, West Vancouver Police Department, North Shore Rescue and Vancouver Law Courts are dipping into the chilly waters in Ambleside Park to raise money for Special Olympics BC’s year-round programs.
The Polar Plunge is an annual event, running for one day only on Feb. 19. This year, their fundraising goal is $4,500.
“It gives an opportunity for people who don’t have the means to do it and maybe not necessarily have the funds to do it,” said Const. Mansoor Sahak, spokesperson for North Vancouver RCMP. “It’s giving these special athletes [an opportunity] to take part, do something and feel like they belong.”
Special Olympics BC is a non-profit that offers sports programs and competitions to meet the needs and interests of people with intellectual disabilities. Their goal is to help them celebrate personal achievement through positive sports experiences.
The organization said in a statement funds raised from the Polar Plunge help athletes with intellectual disabilities find purpose, friendships and fitness through the programs they offer.
“Too many people with intellectual disabilities are still being left behind and forgotten by our society,” said Megan Pollock, marketing and communications director for Special Olympics BC. “For many Special Olympics BC athletes, our year-round sport, youth, and health programs are the primary place – or for too many, the only place – where they experience vital social connections, healthy physical activity, and opportunities to be seen for their abilities.”
North Shore athlete Nick Kellof first joined Special Olympics BC in 1997 after a friend told him about it. He competed in the 2004 National Winter Games in floor hockey and took part in basketball in the 2014 National Summer Games. He was also part of the Special Olympics BC Winter Games in 2019, and the Special Olympics Team BC in 2020.
Kellof said it’s important to have organizations like Special Olympics to allow athletes to feel included and break out of their shell.
“It’s a place to come and compete in sport, make friends, where you’re not judged and you’re just accepted for who you are,” Kellof said. “It’s a really positive influence on people’s lives.”
Participating in the cold plunge is not just for first responders and the courts, as members of the community are also encouraged to take part.
The Polar Plunge will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 10 a.m. at Ambleside Park in West Vancouver. People can sign up and donate at plunge4specialolympics.crowdchange.ca/90676.
“Our hope is that people are aware that everybody deserves to be involved and partake in sports,” Sahak said. “Sports is a team activity, and when you’re involved in that, it’s a sense of belonging for these athletes.”
Abby Luciano is the Indigenous and civic affairs reporter for the North Shore News. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
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