Police and partners taking the plunge for local athletes

Kamloops City

2024-02-15 10:37 PST

View larger image: a group of people stand together in front of a monument, some with towels and toques.

Kamloops Mounties are trading long-johns for swim trunks next Friday, when they’ll take a Polar Plunge in support of special Olympians.

On Friday Feb. 23, 2024, at 10 a.m., a group of Kamloops RCMP Detachment officers will head down to Riverside Park for this year’s annual Polar Plunge, a Special Olympics fundraiser.

They’ll be joined by other community partners participating as well, including members of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement BC Community Corrections, Rocky Mountain Rangers, Kamloops Fire Rescue, Kamloops Community Services Officers, and BC Natural Resource Officers.
This year, some first time Polar Plungers will be running into the river to represent the local RCMP Detachment, including Corporal Joe Bayda of the General Investigations Support Team.

It’s something I’ve always watched and been interested in, so this year when the organizers were recruiting participants, I thought if last year’s group could do it in those freezing temperatures, then I could find the bravery to do it too, said Cpl. Bayda.

Last year, temperatures dropped well below zero and into the minus double-digits, made worse by a fierce windchill.

This year’s event organizer, Josh Burneau of the CVSE, is hoping for a warmer dip than last year – which represented the coldest plunge he’s yet to take.

There’s so many different faces from the different organizations coming together to show their support and that’s really something to look forward to, said Mr. Burneau. It’s hard to convince people to jump in the river this time of year, but they do it in support of our Special Olympics athletes in the community and to be part of that support team for them.

Michael Maveety, fundraising coordinator for the Special Olympics Kamloops, said it really warms the hearts of the local athletes to see so many people come together for them.

Anytime we get support from the community like this, it lights up the athletes, said Mr. Maveety. The support really helps them feel involved and like they’re part of a team -- not like they’re just sitting in the corner watching.

Although many people might think the Special Olympics is about the big competitions that happen every several years, Special Olympics programming runs throughout the year for athletes of all calibre.

It’s a great chance to educate people that the actual Olympics is not just why we need the support – it’s all the time, Mr. Maveety added, referencing gyms, courts, bowling allies, and all the different facilities and services required for sports.

This year, community sponsors Engel and Volkers will be at the riverbank providing hot chocolate to help warm up spectators and participants.

Those who would like to donate can do so online by supporting local athletes Andrew or Adam at Andrew's Fundraiser | PolarPlunge SOBC (crowdchange.ca) or Adam's Fundraiser | PolarPlunge SOBC (crowdchange.ca).

Released by

Cpl. Crystal Evelyn

Email: crystal.evelyn@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: kamloops.rcmp.ca

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