Image credit: Kamloops RCMP

By Aaron Schulze

Polar Plunge

First responders gearing up for Polar Plunge fundraiser for Special Olympics

Feb 15, 2024 | 11:13 AM

KAMLOOPS — First responders are trading their long johns for swim trunks next Friday (Feb. 23) when they’ll take a dip in cold water to support Special Olympics.

In a news release issued Thursday (Feb. 15), Kamloops RCMP say its officers will partake in the Polar Plunge at Riverside Park. The Kamloops detachment will be joined by members of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Enforcement (CVSE), BC Corrections, Rocky Mountain Rangers, Kamloops Fire Rescue, Kamloops Community Services Officers, and BC Natural Resource Officers.

“There’s so many different faces from the different organizations coming together to show their support and that’s really something to look forward to,” Josh Burneau, organizer and CVSE officer, says. “It’s hard to convince people to jump in the river this time of year, but they do it in support of our Special Olympics athletes in the community and to be part of that support team for them.”

Michael Maveety, fundraising coordinator for Special Olympics Kamloops, says it warms the hearts of the local athletes to see so many people come together for them.

“The support really helps them feel involved and like they’re part of a team — not like they’re just sitting in the corner watching,” Maveety says.

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Last year’s Polar Plunge in Kamloops saw temperatures drop well below zero with a windchill near -30.

Anyone who’d like to donate can do so online by supporting local athletes Adam (teaming with Kamloops Fire Rescue) and Andrew (teaming with Kamloops RCMP). The Polar Plunge takes place next Friday, 10:00 a.m. at Riverside Park.