It was a more than successful Polar Plunge in Belleville this year with nearly $30,000 raised, almost double the goal for this year.
Plungers across six teams took part in this year’s Polar Plunge with money raised going towards Special Olympics Ontario.
Specifically, the funds will be used to “enable more hometown games to take place in communities across the province and provide more athletes with opportunities to get back to playing the sports they love.”
“Hometown games were launched in April 2020. There have already been Hometown Games competitions in 30 different communities across the province. Over 4000 medals have been awarded to over 500 Special Olympics athletes who have had the opportunity to compete for the first time in over two years,” Belleville Police Inspector Sheri Meeks told the crowd.
Belleville Polar Plunge organizer Inspector Sheri Meeks. (Photo: Quinte News)
“So with these funds, we’re gonna hopefully be able to support more Hometown games and local communities across Ontario.”
Teams taking part in the plunge included Belleville Police, Belleville Fire and Rescue, Hastings Quinte Paramedic Services, CFB Trenton, and Probation and Parole.
The goal this year for Belleville was for $15,000 to be raised, more than the $13,000 raised from last year’s event.
That total was exceeded by nearly double with more money expected to come in.
A total of 60 plungers took part, up from the 25 last year.
Other plunging events across Ontario have raised $450,000. More events will be taking place with a goal of $500,000.
Those looking to make a donation can head to this page.
Paramedic Plungers, one of six Polar Plunge teams for Special Olympics at Belleville’s Herchimer Avenue boat launch. (Photo: Quinte News)
