Polar Plunge raises funds for Special Olympians

People take a plunge into the cold waters of Lake Summerside on Feb. 2, 2025, in support of Special Olympics Alberta. (Darcy Seaton/CTV News Edmonton)

A big drop in temperature didn’t stop one group from jumping into a chilly lake for charity.

More than 100 people braved the frigid waters Sunday afternoon, plunging into Lake Summerside on the city’s south side.

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The 2025 Polar Plunge is in support of Special Olympics Alberta.

People were willing to take a dip even with windchill temperatures in the -30 C range.

The money raised is helping athletes with intellectual disabilities achieve their Special Olympics goals

“We’re getting cold for a second, but it’s just a small thing we’re doing to help Special Olympics athletes in their sports and in life, giving them the confidence in their sports,” Const. Amanda Trenchard of the Edmonton Police Service told CTV News Edmonton.

More than $35,000 was raised before this year’s event.

The year 2015 was the coldest year for the Polar Plunge with the wind chill feeling like -40 C.