It’s a cold case of a different kind, entirely.
More than a dozen North Vancouver RCMP, West Vancouver Police Department and North Shore Rescue members, along with supporters, charged into the frigid water off Ambleside Park on Wednesday to raise awareness of and donations for Special Olympics BC.
The two police agencies have long been supporters of the non-profit organization, which works to enhance the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities through sport.
In the moments leading up to the polar plunge, officers egged each other on as a group of daycare kids on the beach cheered. At 10 a.m., they bolted into Burrard Inlet, splashed about and limped back onto the beach for photos.
North Vancouver RCMP Const. Vizheh Azad personally raised more than $2,300 in the run up to the frigid dip.
“He’s very passionate about this. He’s done a lot of volunteer work on his time off and raised money so and we’re very appreciative,” said Const. Mansoor Sahak, North Vancouver RCMP spokesperson. “The whole point of this initiative was to get [the athletes] the tools they need and get them to join sports. Obviously, we know that when you are active, you are healthy. We want to be able to give that to everyone and have an opportunity.”
Back on dry land, Special Olympics athlete and polar plunger Mike Stokes confidently shrugged off the cold and wet.
“It’s nothing,” he said. “Absolutely nothing.”
Stokes, who plays floor hockey, softball, soccer and basketball through Special Olympics BC said he and his fellow athletes are able to have a lot of fun together thanks to initiatives like the one put on by police on the North Shore.
“I love seeing all my friends come together and doing something like this for a great cause,” he said. “It helps us raise money. It helps us get new gear like new hockey shin pads and everything like that. We are able to go on trips.”
Despite the water being just a little more than 6 C at the time, West Vancouver Const. Nicole Braithwaite said there were no qualms among her fellow officers.
“It’s very worth it,” she said. “It’s good for the body and it’s good for the soul.”
Beyond the polar plunge, the two departments also participate in a torch relay every year to benefit Special Olympics BC.
To contribute to the Special Olympics BC, visit their fundraising page here.
