Fire and ice unite for a special cause

By Alyssa Horrobin

Windsorites wanting to support Special Olympics Ontario took a dive into icy water last weekend.

The Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run partnered with St. Clair College for the school’s second annual Polar Plunge fundraising event.

College staff and students took the plunge Feb. 4 and the general public who registered took it on Feb. 6.  This year’s goal was to raise $10,000 from the event.

Constable Jim Chauvin with the Essex County OPP said out of 168 participants, about 60 officers and auxiliary from Windsor and Essex County, including himself, did the plunge.

“I want to thank St. Clair for hosting and joining us again this year,” said Chauvin.  “They are a great community partner.”

The event raised about $47,000, about $15,000 more than last year.  President of the Student Representative Council, Miranda Underwood, said she is excited to see the impact of this event continue to grow.

Underwood was the emcee for both plunges and said she really enjoyed being part of the fundraiser.  This was her second time taking the plunge.

“It’s hard to be on the planning committee for an event and not end up wanting to participate,” said Underwood.  “It’s cold in that water but you get really excited leading up to the actual jump.”

She said her favourite moments were watching police chief Al Frederick jump on Thursday and her father Mark Underwood jump to the Jaws theme song on Saturdaydressed in a shark costume.

According to Underwood, a portion of the funds raised by Special Olympics athletes who did the Polar Plunge or those who jumped on behalf of an athlete stays local.

The Special Olympics has community, regional, provincial, national and international competitions involving 18 different sports sectioned into Spring, Summer and Winter games.  This year’s Spring Games will be held in Guelph.

To find out more ways to donate and get involved with Special Olympics, visit specialolympicsontario.com.