Ottawa Police host annual Polar Plunge

Dozens of people braved the freezing weather Saturday, plunging into ice-cold water in support of Special Olympics athletes. CTV’s Josh Marano reports.

Freezing temperatures Saturday didn’t stop over 300 people from participating in the annual Polar Plunge.

Organized by Ottawa Police and Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run, the event raises funds for the athletes and families of Special Olympics Ontario.

“Law enforcement has raised over $1 billion toward Special Olympics, so their programing couldn’t exist if it wasn’t for the support of law enforcement,” said acting Sgt. with Ottawa Police Meg Arbuthnot. “We have seven athletes and two coaches from Ottawa, heading over to Turin, Italy, on Monday to compete in the world Games, which is just such a remarkable feat that they’ve qualified for that, we’re so grateful to have them here today.”

This year’s plunge raised $70,000 dollars in support.

A pool was set up near Gate 6 of TD Place Field. People and groups who donated came out in matching attire for the chance to dive into freezing cold waters for a good cause.

“Two years ago we were in a snowstorm, last year not so bad, this year has been the coldest,” said Arbuthnot. “I’m just so grateful. The police service is just so grateful that everyone came out today. I think what’s made it such a remarkable event is we’ve had community members here, we’ve had schools here (and) we’ve had police agencies here, so it really brings everybody together, toward one cause. It’s just been remarkable.”

“They’re always supporting, they’re always there for us,” said Special Olympics Head Coach Rachel Mathews. “They’re always raising enough money so that we can run our programs, run the big things, run the small things and it’s truly remarkable.”

This year’s Plunge will benefit the 2025 Special Olympics Ontario School Championships, hosted by the Ottawa Police Service and the City of Ottawa from June 3-5.