YK Polar Plunge Event Raises over $32,000 for Special Olympics NWT

Early in the afternoon on Sunday, March 23^rd, dozens of Yellowknife locals and visitors gathered for another of the city’s unique events.

Participants and spectators gathered by the Arctic Duchess ship on the Great Slave Lake, just a stone’s throw from the Snowking Ice Castle, for Special Olympics NWT’s annual Polar Plunge fundraiser event. Guests are encouraged to register and donate at least fifty dollars to take part in the event, which sees Plungers take a quick dip into a small pool of ice-cold lakewater.

Sandra Turner, one of the organizers with Special Olympics NWT, said before the event began that while the water is indeed cold, it still feels amazing to take part in. That sentiment was echoed by many Plungers as the event progressed. As different community members took their turn, many were shocked by the sudden change in their body temperature, and despite some mild complaints when they emerged from the water mere seconds later, every single one of them had a smile on their face.

The money raised from the event helps to go towards Special Olympics programming and opportunities for athletes with disabilities. While the total amount raised by the Polar Plunge this year is still being counted, as of 4:00pm on March 23^rd, the Special Olympics NWT website reports that they have raised $32,420. By the time the event had started, they had already surpassed their initial goal of $25,000.

Speaking after the event, Turner was quite happy with the turnout.

“It was absolutely amazing! It gets better every year. This is year 2 at this site, and it’s really ramped up! Everybody was really keen to get plunging, and they were here early, we went through it very quickly, and they’re all still here and hanging about, so it’s an amazing day, an amazing site, and an amazing reason to plunge.”

Turner also relayed what some Plungers shared with her for their reasons to take part in such an interesting event.

“Some just want to try it, and it’s a good reason to try it, some want to do it with a group here. Others have done it in the past and want to come out here to support Special Olympics NWT, so we’re not too worried about the reason, we’re just happy to see everyone come out and do it!”