2020 Polar Plunge for Special Olympics: Freezin’ for a Reason!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, January 20, 2020                     10:49 am         

(Ottawa) – The Ottawa Police Service is excited to host the 6^th Annual Polar Plunge for Special Olympics taking place at Algonquin College (north side of ‘P’ Building) on Saturday, March 7, 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 sixth year holding the Polar Plunge and it’s exciting to see all of the Teams, dressed in their artic plunge finery, come together to participate in this special event – that’s the fun part!” said Inspector John McGetrick. 

Register online at polarplunge.ca/ottawa. Collect donations, and track your fundraising progress. 

Plunging begins at 9:30 am and goes until noon! There is free parking at Algonquin College located at 1385 Woodroffe Avenue, parking lot 7, south side of building “P”. 

“The Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run (OLETR) has continued to grow substantially and produce much needed funds for Special Olympics. Polar Plunges bring in significant revenue that allows our programs to grow across the province,” stated Glenn MacDonell, President and CEO of Special Olympics Ontario. “Quite simply, more funding means more people with intellectual disabilities will become involved in Special Olympics programs and competition 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:

Brock Robinson, Manager, LETR Operations

Torch Run Ontario

1-888-333-5515 ext. 264

brockr@torchrunontario.com

Inspector John McGetrick

Tel: 613-236-1222, ext. 4135