The 2022 Virtual Polar Plunge for the Special Olympics in Ontario is back! This morning we were joined by Hamilton Police Chief Frank Bergen, who will proudly be participating this year.

Bergen says this year, he will not just be going into the water up to their shoulder, but they will be taking a full plunge into Fisherman’s Bay at Fisherman’s Pier at 2:30, Friday.

This year’s Polar Plunge is in celebration of 35 years of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics. The fundraising goal for this year is $350,000.

Special Olympian’s regular training and practice schedules were thrown into disarray with competitions postponed, and their in-person connections with friends, family, coaches and other athletes put on hold.

Since then, athletes have found new ways to maintain their connections to each other and continue to stay healthy at home with at-home workouts and Zoom practices with their teammates, walking challenges, virtual games, online cooking classes and more.

“We have to make sure we have the ability to support people with intellectual disabilities and the Hamilton police have been absolute supporters of the 26,000 special Olympians throughout our province,” said Bergen. “We have been so proud to have raised over $141,000 since its inception 35 years ago.”

To donate, click here.