EDMONTON, AB, April 24, 2019- 450 plungers came together across five cities for the coolest parties in Alberta as they dove into freezing waters at Polar Plunge Alberta in support of Special Olympics.
Polar Plunge challenges people to bravely jump into frigid waters where plungers raise awareness and funds for over 3,200 Special Olympics Alberta athletes across the province. The event is presented by the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Alberta (LETR), one of the largest grassroots fundraisers and awareness vehicles for Special Olympics.
We challenged people to take the plunge and get freezin’ for a reason and they stepped up to the plate as plungers and sponsors raised over $185,000 for Special Olympics programs.
“This event does an incredible job of raising funds and awareness for our athletes,” said Johnny Byrne, Special Olympics Alberta President and CEO.
“We are thankful to all the LETR officers, plungers, volunteers, sponsors, and everyone who puts forth an amazing effort to support Special Olympics programs here in Alberta.”
Mr. Lube once again jumped in by supporting the Polar Plunge as an incentive sponsor by providing towels and Under Armour duffle bags for top fundraisers.
In February, Mr. Lube significantly increased their support by collecting donations from all Mr. Lube locations during the month across Alberta raising $18,000 towards the event. In total, Mr. Lube provided $33,000 towards Polar Plunge Alberta’s success.
“The 2019 Polar Plunge Season has drawn to a close and we are excited about another successful year,” said Paul Manuel, LETR Provincial Director. “To the plungers who braved the freezing waters and who gathered pledges for this great cause - a warm thank you!”
“But I must also give a huge thank you to all of our corporate sponsors who without their support, this event would not take place. A special thank you must also go to Mr. Lube, who once again contributed in an enormous way as our Plunge Incentive Sponsor. Thank you all and we look forward to your support in 2020!”
20 law enforcement agencies across Alberta took the plunge in Edmonton, Lethbridge, Red Deer, Calgary and Medicine Hat.
This year Special Olympics athletes, law enforcement officers, a CFL player, an Olympic medalist, government members and media personalities joined forces to take the plunge raising awareness and funds for athletes here in Alberta. Their passion was inspirational and their efforts will go a long way in creating inclusion on a global scale.
Special Olympics Alberta would like to thank all the volunteers and sponsors in all the Polar Plunge cities and venues: Lake Summerside, Henderson Lake Park, Arbour Lake, Bower-Kin Community Center, and the Medicine Hat Family Leisure Centre. For more details on Polar Plunge Alberta, go to www.alberta.polarplunge.ca or check out photos and videos on our Facebook, Flickr, or Twitter @SpecialOAlberta @Alberta_LETR #PolarPlungeAB #FreezinForAReason
A special thanks to 2019 Polar Plunge Alberta top fundraisers:
- Top Individual: Gordon Szol from Calgary (third year in a row)
- Top Law Enforcement Member: Kass Hronek with the Alberta Corrections
- Top Special Olympics Athlete: Leonka Kaluha from Calgary
- Top Law Enforcement Team: Calgary Police Snowflakes
- Top Team: Ice Ice Babies
- Top University/College: Bow Valley College Justice League
Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Alberta
Internationally the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics is the largest grassroots fundraiser and awareness vehicle for Special Olympics. More than 85,000 law enforcement officers from 10 Canadian provinces and 3 territories, the 50 United States, and 46 countries internationally form the largest grass roots fundraiser for Special Olympics. Last year in Alberta, over $600,000 was raised across the province, benefiting local programs. For more information on the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Alberta, please visit www.albertatorchrun.ca. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter @Alberta_LETR and Instagram @albertatorchrun.
Special Olympics Alberta
Special Olympics Alberta is dedicated to enriching the lives of Albertans with intellectual disabilities through the transformative power and joy of sport. Our vision is that sport will open hearts and minds towards people with intellectual disabilities and create inclusive communities.
Special Olympics Alberta’s programs cater to all ages and a wide range of abilities to over 3,200 athletes in more than 150 communities. We provide world class sports programs that are run daily by over 1,200 volunteers. For more information on Special Olympics Alberta, visit, www.specialolympics.ca/alberta and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Flickr, and YouTube.
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For more information please contact:
Lorrie Sitler
Provincial Manager
Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Alberta
P: 780-608-8360
E: LSitler@specialolympics.ab.ca
Kiefer Sutherland
Marketing and Communications
Special Olympics Alberta
P: 1-800-444-2883 Ext. 1009
ksutherland@specialolympics.ab.ca