Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media / Members of the RCMP will brave the frigid waters of Cultus Lake next Tuesday, February 27 at noon at Main Beach as they work to raise money and awareness for the exceptional athletes of Special Olympics B.C.
By Mike Vanden Bosch
Polar Plunge

Chilliwack RCMP officers ready to brave Cultus Lake’s chilly waters next week

Feb 20, 2024 | 8:33 AM

CHILLIWACK — Chilly temperatures in Cultus Lake are no deterrent for a group of determined constables from the Chilliwack RCMP detachment who are set to take the plunge for a great cause next week.

Members of the RCMP, staff and other local supporters will brave the cold waters of Cultus Lake next week Tuesday, February 27 at noon at Main Beach as they work to raise money and awareness for the exceptional athletes of Special Olympics B.C.

In a social media post from the detachment, Chilliwack RCMP say they’re excited to participate in this year’s Polar Plunge.

“If Polar Bears can b-r-r-r-r-rave the cold weather, so can we! We are chattering at the opportunity to support inclusion in our community,” Chilliwack RCMP wrote on Facebook.

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Last year’s event marked the first time that the Chilliwack RCMP detachment took part in the icy dip, which saw multiple officers in uniform without their police gear make a beeline for the waters.

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“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 in a 2023 news release. S/Sgt. Floris organized the 2023 event and expressed thanks to the Cultus Lake Park Board for their support of this event.

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

Coming out of the pandemic, the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics B.C. enabled athletes to reconnect with their friends and the SOBC community. The pandemic had a long-lasting impact on the athletes and support was needed to rebuild year-round, in-person sport programs that create empowering connections, according to a news release from former RCMP media spokesperson Sgt. Krista Vrolyk.

“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.”

Visit https://plunge4specialolympics.crowdchange.ca/54108 to support the Chilliwack Polar Plunge. As of Tuesday morning (Feb. 20), they’ve raised $1,850 of their $2,500 goal.

by Mike Vanden Bosch

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