Local First Responders take Cold Plunge for Special Olympics BC
By The Nelson Daily Staff
First reponder teams from Nelson’s emergency service took an icy plunge at Lakeside Park Beach on Saturday (March 5) for the 2022 Polar Plunge for Special Olympics BC (SOBC).
The plunge is part of a province-wide effort in helping Special Olympics BC’s dedicated athletes get back to the sports and the SOBC family that matter to them as programs re-open from the long-lasting COVID-19 pandemic.
Participating in the chilly plunge not only showed that Nelson’s emergency services care about people with intellectual disabilities, it was also a fun way to fundraise and bring attention to the SOBC volunteers, athletes, and supporters around the province who are working hard to reopen their in- person programs.
More than ever, the SOBC need support to rebuild all their year-round, in-person sports programs that create empowering connections and break down barriers.
The bold and cold Nelsonite Polar Plungers included the Nelson Police Department team “Cold in the Koots”, Nelson Fire and Rescue, BC Ambulance Services, RDCK Fire Services, Conservation Services, and team Nelson Polar Plunge Sheriffs.
Team “Cold in the Koots” more than doubled their fundraising goals and raised nearly $7,000 for the 2022 Polar Plunge for the Special Olympics presented by Prospera Credit Union.
First responders would like thank local businesses who donated amazing experiences to the silent auction that accompanied the polar plunge including:
- High Terrain Helicopters
- Gerick’s Cycle
- Sail Nelson
- Whitewater Ski Resort
- Kootenay Lazer Tag
- Bluebell Cottage
- Prestige Marina
About Special Olympics BC
Special Olympics BC is dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities through sport. In 55 communities around the province, they provide year-round training and competitive opportunities in 18 different sports to more than 5,200 athletes of all ages and a wide range of abilities, thanks to the dedicated efforts of more than 4,300 volunteers. For more information, please visit www.specialolympics.bc.ca and find SOBC on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Following the plunge into Kootenay Lake, first responders from the Nelson Police Department, Nelson Fire and Rescue, BC Ambulance Services, RDCK Fire Services, Conservation Services, and team Nelson Polar Plunge Sheriffs stood on the lakeshore for a photo.
