Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Curtis Goodrum

Fundraiser

Kamloops first responders take icy plunge for BC Special Olympics

Feb 25, 2025 | 5:21 PM

KAMLOOPS – Kamloops first responders gathered at Riverside Park Tuesday morning (Feb. 25) to complete a chilly plunge. The event is organized to support B.C. Special Olympics and its goal of raising $5,000 for athletes.

The goal for this year’s plunge has already been reached and surpassed, with a total of $5,200 at deadline.

While some first responders took the plunge as a challenge, others saw it as an opportunity to keep their commitments to themselves and their coworkers by going in twice.

“Well, we challenged ourselves this winter,” said a shivering corrections officer alongside colleagues. “We’ve kept up the challenge that we made at work. We just want to commit to stick together and do it as a team.”

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Not everyone was eager to leave the river. One group decided to brave the icy water for longer than the rest.

“I don’t particularly like the cold water but, you know, I thought it’d be a good goal this year. Last year, I did just over two minutes and this year I thought maybe I could hit five,” said Corrections Officer Peron.

While the temperatures were not freezing, many of the attendees got in and out as quickly as possible.

“I will say that even though you anticipate and think what it’s going to feel like, it’s a little colder,” said Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Cail of Kamloops Fire Rescue.

Cail remained positive despite how cold the river was.

“I mean, what a wonderful cause. Great turnout. Nice to see everybody down here and, really, with the sun shining, it’s a great day,” continued Cail.

An event like this is important to the athletes who will benefit from the funds raised because it allows them to travel to show off their skills.

“We live in a town that is so supportive to begin with. An event like this that takes off and grows so quickly just kind of lights a fire under all of us. Doing volunteer work with Special Olympics just reminds us of the community we work in and the support we feel is awesome,” said Michael Maveety, the fundraising coordinator of Kamloops Special Olympics.

The money raised from the Riverside plunge helps support athletes as they compete in events throughout the rest of the year. The organizers hope to bring the plunge back next year.