Polar plungers to brave icy Alberta lake for Special Olympics

Hundreds of warm-blooded Albertans will brave the frigid waters of icy Lake Summerside this Sundayin support of Special Olympics.

More than 120 people are expected to plunge into the frozen waters dunking their goose-pimpled limbs into a hole cut through two feet of ice.

Wearing bathing suits and costumes, swimmers will plungeinto the icy lake in what's become an annual mid-winter tradition.

'It's a blast'

All funds raised during the Polar Plunge event will be contributed to Special Olympics Alberta, an organization that supports athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Helping athletes compete is worth a little bit of exposure to the cold, said Johnny Byrne, president and CEO of Special Olympics Alberta.

"For everyone, know you're doing it for a good cause," Byrne said in an interview with CBC Radio's Edmonton AM. "It's a blast of a day. It's a ton of fun."

Last year, Polar Plunges across Alberta raised more than $167,000, including more than $80,000 in donations from the Edmonton region. Organizers are hoping to surpass thatthis winter season.

"It's about our athletes," said Byrne. "Polar Plunge is one of our major fundraisers of the year.

"Those are funds that go to our Edmonton programs and across the province."

Edmontonians take a plunge for athletes with intellectual disabilities

8 years ago

Duration 1:06

More than 230 people braved the frigid waters of Lake Summerside in Edmonton for a polar plunge to raise money for Special Olympics Alberta. Notable plungers taking part this year include Olympic skater and gold-medallistJamie Sale and Brian Simpson, Edmonton's deputy police chief.

Edmonton AM hosts Mark Connolly and Garrette McGowan will also sacrifice their bodies to the cause. You can donate to their icy endeavour online.