Polar Plunge Raises Over $10,000 for Special Olympians

Tuesday, 10 March 2020 at 10:49

Over $10,000 was raised yesterday at the Polar Plunge supporting the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

WOODSTOCK - Over $10,000 was raised yesterday at the Polar Plunge supporting the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

All of the money raised will go to support local special Olympians. Law enforcement members from the Oxford OPP and Woodstock Police teamed up for the event. Oxford OPP Detachment Commander Tony Hymers led by example, plunging into the frigid waters face first. Woodstock Police Chief Daryl took a more common approach with a solid cannonball. Speaking at the event yesterday, Longworth says they just happy to support a great cause.

"We are so proud to support this, as you know, Special Olympians are very courageous inspirational people and law enforcement has had a partnership with Special Olympics for decades and we have had raised millions of dollars in partnerships with them through law enforcement torch runs and other fundraising events like this. It is fantastic that we can all come out together, thank god the sun is shining, I don't know if we will be sun tanning but we will certainly be jumping in and getting some fresh water. Thanks again for the support and for all the organizers, from the cops, from Fanshawe College and from everybody who jumped in literally to be a part of this, thank you very much."

Plenty of people came out to take the plunge at the Oxford County Regional Fanshawe Campus in Woodstock. It wasn't just officers and the general public, a few special Olympians took the plunge too, like Brodie from the Tillsonburg’s Special Olympics Basketball team.

The Polar plunge moves to St. Thomas next and you can find more information on how to support our special Olympians online here.

#Cops, #Community members and students are "Freezing For a Reason" @FanshaweWdsk. A BIG #ThankYou to all the organizers. Over $10,000 raised for @SpecialOlympics. @Torchrunlondon @torchrunontario @lpsmediaoffice @Woodstock_PS #NorfolkOPP ^es pic.twitter.com/8s4NJHkexJ
— OPP West Region (@OPP_WR) March 9, 2020