About 25 people took the plunge for a good cause Friday, jumping into the Bay of Quinte.
The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police hosted the Polar Plunge in support of Special Olympics Ontario.
About 25 jumpers from Belleville Police Service, Belleville Fire and Rescue, Hastings-Quinte Paramedics, and Belleville Probation and Parole jumped into the water behind the Quinte Rowing Club at Herchimer Street.
Chief Doug Socha, Hastings-Quinte Paramedic Services (foreground); Chief Mike Callaghan, Belleville Police Service (centre); Chief Monique Belair, Belleville Fire Department (back). (Photo: Quinte News/John Spitters)
Laura Woodall of the Belleville Quinte West Special Olympics Committee says they have rebuilding to do.
“We are rebuilding connections to athletes that have been without organized sports during the pandemic and growing to include athletes new to the Special Olympics programs. Special Olympics for athletes with an intellectual disability.”
Inspector Sheri Meeks scrambles out of the freezing waters of the Bay of Quinte. (Photo: Quinte News/John Spitters.)
Inspector Sheri Meeks says she couldn’t have asked for a better turnout as it was the most participation they’ve ever had.
Approximately $5,300 was raised, over $2,000 more than last year.
