Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / PML / Chilliwack RCMP members got a little crazy Thursday morning as part of the Polar Plunge at Cultus Lake main beach as they raced into the icy cold waters for a brief dip. The event is designed to raise funds and awareness for the exemplary athletes of Special Olympics of B.C.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

RCMP Polar Plunge

Chilliwack RCMP officers take the icy plunge for a great cause Thursday at Cultus Lake

Mar 2, 2023 | 1:19 PM

CHILLIWACK — Despite blustery, bone-chilling winds and temperatures lingering in the lower single digits, RCMP Sgt. Krista Vrolyk says she just knew she had to take the plunge into the icy-cold waters of Cultus Lake Thursday morning at main beach.

“You know what? I knew I just had to go for it,” Sgt. Krista Vrolyk said Thursday. “If you try to, like, gently and delicately go into the frozen Cultus Lake, it’s not a good idea. Definitely, it woke me up as soon I got into the water, but for such a great cause. Lots of fun. [Organizer] Grant Floris has done this event in other communities, but this is the coldest he’s ever seen it.”

The frigid temperatures of Cultus Lake were no match for a group of gutsy officers and staff from the Chilliwack RCMP detachment as they raised awareness and funding for the exemplary athletes of Special Olympics B.C.

This year marked the first time the Chilliwack RCMP have taken the plunge.

“We are proud to participate in this year’s Polar Plunge. The dedication and training of the athletes is inspirational to us all. That is why it is so important to raise awareness and funds to help rebuild Special Olympics programs,” said Staff Sergeant Grant Floris, organizer of the event, who expressed thanks to the Cultus Lake Park Board for their support of this event.

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Chilliwack mayor Ken Popove was on scene Thursday morning to congratulate the fine men and women of the RCMP, but he had his mind made up about getting into the water.

Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / PML / Mayor Ken Popove (left) fist bumps RCMP Sgt. Krista Vrolyk (right) for jumping into the freezing cold water at Cultus Lake main beach Thursday morning.

“That’s why I’m here to support them, but there’s no way I’m getting into the water, that’s for sure,” said Mayor Popove. “Kudos to them for doing this. It’s a cold, blustery day, but you put that aside for the betterment of the community, so hats off to them.”

Fundraising is underway for the annual Polar Plunge benefitting Special Olympics B.C. Donations can be made online and will help support sport, youth, and health programs for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

This year, the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics B.C. will play a vital role in helping athletes reconnect with their friends and the SOBC community. The pandemic has had a long-lasting impact on the athletes and support is needed to rebuild year-round, in-person sport programs that create empowering connections, according to a news release from RCMP Sgt. Krista Vrolyk, media spokesperson for the Chilliwack RCMP detachment.

Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / PML

“It means confidence and friends,” said Chilliwack-based athlete Betty Coleman, silver medal Olympian in five-pin bowling. “No matter what I do in life and what challenges I face, I just put my best foot forward and help others when needed.”

For more information or to sponsor the Chilliwack team, visit: Chilly-wack Real Cold Mountie Plungers (RCMP) | PolarPlunge SOBC (crowdchange.ca).