On March 2, Special Olympics Kelowna had a chilly but exciting event to raise money for free sports programs for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
About 100 brave souls gathered at Hot Sands Beach for the polar plunge at 2:30 p.m. Events Coordinator Nicole Smith took the plunge alongside the athletes, showcasing her commitment to the cause.
Before the event, athletes created fundraising pages to gather donations from family, friends, and the community. Local businesses also joined in, like Valley First’s Guisichan branch, where Jessica Vidal and Kylaina Dermedy presented a $100 donation. “My niece is part of Team Littles,” Vidal shared, highlighting their personal connection to the organization. Although they didn’t plunge this year due to pregnancy, they plan to involve more branches in future fundraising efforts.
The event was a huge success, raising over $8,000 to support Special Olympics Kelowna. Smith emphasized how Kelowna is unique in offering free sports for athletes. “There are no weekly fees. Our athletes can register and participate without financial stress,” she explained. This is especially important as many individuals with disabilities don’t receive significant financial support.
Currently, over 200 athletes are registered for winter activities, with more than 150 signed up for the upcoming spring and summer seasons. This community support allows many to enjoy sports without worrying about costs.
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Source linkKelowna|Special Olympics|Polar Bear Plunge
