More than 300 people took an icy dive in Windsor Friday night in the 11th annual Polar Plunge — the largest turnout in the event’s history.
Despite the relatively mild air temperatures, the plunge was no less of a challenge, with participants braving frigid waters to support Special Olympics athletes across the province.
“This year, it’s bigger than ever,” said Windsor Police Sgt. Adam Young, one of the event’s organizers.
“We’ve never had such high numbers, and it’s just amazing — the support we get from the community, for Special Olympics, for Windsor Police and all the police agencies is amazing.”
As of the start of the event, $76,573 had been raised for the cause, with fundraising efforts continuing into the night.
The team led by Windsor Police Chief Jason Bellaire, who was first to take the plunge, raised $30,690 — the highest total of any group.
Young said the event’s success is due in part to its expansion this year, as it became the centrepiece of Polar Fest, a newly introduced winter festival in partnership with the Downtown Windsor Business Improvement Association.
“We decided to approach the Downtown BIA and try and make it bigger,” Young explained.
“It was such a wonderful partnership to have with them.”
Festivalgoers who weren’t plunging took in live music from DJ Evolution, browsed handcrafted goods from local artisans, and warmed up with food from Windsor restaurants.
For those who did take the plunge, the experience was brief but intense.
“For the jumpers, I believe it’s a sense of accomplishment,” Young said.
“They’ve shown they’re supporting a great cause by putting their comfort on the line. And you can see that sense of gratification and gratitude for what they did or what they’ve accomplished.”
Among those braving the cold were several players from the Windsor Clippers Jr. B Lacrosse team, who took part together.
“It is ice cold,” said Clippers player Owen Coffey.
“But it is fun. At the end of the day, it’s only bad for 13 seconds.”
Fellow teammate Ashton Maluske said it was worth the chill.
“Honestly, It’s a great experience,” he said. “It feels great to get it done.”
Other local teams include one made up of employees from the NextStar Energy plant, who raised $3,120 — and some, like participant Ehab Shabudeen, went all in.
“I mean, yeah, I did a straight-up bellyflop in there,” he said. “So I’m feeling pretty good.”
The annual fundraiser supports Special Olympics Ontario, which provides programs and events for 23,000 athletes across the province.
For Young and other organizers, the night was both fulfilling and emotional.
“It’s so much emotion. It’s rewarding and stressful,” he said.
“We’re always looking at our numbers — how much money did we raise? How many people? Is anyone going to jump? Because it’s such a tough thing to do. I’m surprised people jump, but they do.
“They jump for a great cause.”
