NEPEAN – The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is excited to host the sixth Annual Polar Plunge for Special Olympics taking place at Algonquin College 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,” Inspector John McGetrick said.

Register online at polarplunge.ca/ottawa. Collect donations and track your fundraising progress. Plunging begins at 9:30 a.m. 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,” President and CEO of Special Olympics Ontario Glenn MacDonell said. “Polar Plunges bring in significant revenue that allows our programs to grow across the province. 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,” McGetrick said. “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.”