Local news delivered daily to your email inbox. Subscribe for FREE to the rdnewsNOW newsletter.

Polar Plunge in Red Deer Saturday for Special Olympics Alberta

Feb 2, 2018 | 12:05 PM

Dozens of Red Deerians came together on Saturday in support of Special Olympics Alberta in the first ever Polar Plunge held in the city.

It’s anticipated Red Deerians will join over one thousand other Albertans across the province this winter in a Polar Plunge for Special Olympians.

The annual event aims to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics Alberta and has added Red Deer to the list of participating communities this year.

Lethbridge and Edmonton have already held their Polar Plunges this season, with Red Deerians seeing nine plungers come out on Saturday and raise over $4,200.

Other Polar Plunges are scheduled to follow in Calgary February 24 and Medicine Hat March 10.

Officials say the event is presented in partnership with Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Alberta and draws-in dare devils from universities, corporate members, government officials and even pro athletes brave enough to take on the cold each year.

The result is thousands of people with intellectual disabilities being empowered through sport.

Last year, officials say Polar Plunge raised over $167,000 and saw more than 650 people from four Alberta cities take part. This year, the goal is to raise $250,000 with over $120,237 already raised so far.

For more information on the Polar Plunge throughout Alberta, visit www.alberta.polarplunge.ca.