This year's Windsor-Essex Polar Plunge is still over a month away, but St. Clair College students are already raising cash to support the Special Olympics.
On Wednesday, the college rolled out a long plastic sheet across the softball diamond at St. Clair's Sports Park as participants braved sub-zero temperatures to slide through a fresh layer of suds and cold water.
The event is a precursor to the 12th annual Windsor-Essex Polar Plunge in support of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. That event is scheduled for February 27, at the Windsor International Aquatic and Training Centre from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. In the past 12 years, the plunge has raised more than $500,000 for the Special Olympics.
"Out of all the events that I have the pleasure to attend, this one is special and is like no other," Windsor Police Chief Jason Crowley added. "Not only is the Polar Plunge an amazing opportunity for me to take an icy winter dip, but it is an event where community members, students, sports teams, and first responders get together and do something fun that also supports a great cause."
In addition to students, first responders from the Windsor Police Service, LaSalle Police Service, Essex Windsor EMS, Windsor Fire and Rescue, and college administration and staff participated.
Just before the event got underway, the Student Representative Council, St. Clair College Alumni and Saints Student Athletic Association handed over cheques totalling $13,500.
"Giving funds towards this event year after year gives St. Clair Alumni great pride because it creates opportunity for members of our community who deserve our support," said Adam Ibrahim, an alumnus who presented a cheque for $10,000. "With this funding, these Special Olympic athletes don't just get to compete, they build confidence and camaraderie, which will stick with them the rest of their lives."
"From hosting the very first plunge to creating fun previews like the Slip n' Slide, Saints Nation has shown what it means to dive in for a great cause," said St. Clair College President Michael Silvaggi.
