REGINA — With temperatures hovering just under minus 30 C, more than 50 brave souls gathered in the Victoria Square Shopping Centre parking lot to take part in the Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge in support of Special Olympics Saskatchewan. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, plungers lived out the slogan “Freezin’ for a Reason,” sprinting from snowbanks into a pool of frigid water while family, friends and first responders cheered them on.
I was one of them. Feel free to watch the video.
The cold steals your breath. It shocks your system. For a split second, all you can think about is getting out.
Then you remember why you jumped.
“It’s important for us because it brings awareness to the Special Olympic athletes who visit our mall every day,” said Jordan Myers, Marketing Coordinator at Victoria Square Shopping Centre. “It’s our way of giving back to the community that supports us. We’ve been preparing since late October. There’s been a lot of coordination between us, Special Olympics and all the sponsors. Seeing everyone come together and brave the cold is incredible.”
The event is part of the global Law Enforcement Torch Run movement, the largest grassroots fundraiser for Special Olympics programs worldwide. In Regina, the Polar Plunge has become a winter tradition, raising thousands of dollars over the years to support athletes across Saskatchewan.
“This is very important for our athletes all across the province,” said Rhae-Ann Holoien, Executive Director of Special Olympics Saskatchewan. “The funds raised go directly back into our communities to support sport programming and healthy activities for our athletes. We could not do this without the Law Enforcement Torch Run, our sponsors, our volunteers and every single person who jumped in that water. I am so proud to say we raised over $18,000 today. That is incredible.”
Every dollar helps athletes train, travel and compete. It helps create opportunities for belonging, confidence and achievement.
For Special Olympics athlete and volunteer Tyler Haddad, the plunge is about giving back to something that has given him so much.
“We do it to raise money so athletes can travel and compete around Saskatchewan,” Haddad said. “It goes to a good cause. It helps with training and development. I’ve done this before. The first time I wore a polar bear outfit. It was fun. I just want to thank everyone who donated and took part. Without that support, athletes wouldn’t be able to do what they love.”
By the end of the afternoon, faces were red, toes were numb and laughter echoed across the parking lot. What started as a test of endurance became something far more powerful.
On one of the coldest days of the year, Regina proved something simple and unforgettable.
Compassion runs warmer than any winter.
