You can once again take the Plunge in Alberta in support of Special Olympics Alberta – only VIRTUALLY! The Polar Plunge, presented by the Law Enforcement Torch Run, challenges ANYONE to bravely participate in this exciting and accessible fundraiser, while helping 140 communities across Alberta. It’s a great way for everyone - individuals, organizations, and teams - to get involved in support of Special Olympics and show winter who’s boss.

Safety has always been our highest priority with these events, and this year is no different. With the ever-changing restrictions and environment due to COVID-19, we are officially moving our Polar Plunge celebrations to a virtual space, which is the safest option for us all! No fear though, as that just means we can all participate from the comfort of our homes in our pjs!

We are overwhelmed by your commitment, enthusiasm, and creativity in transforming the current circumstances into a super-supporter Virtual Plunge event. 

An important caution: Cold/freezing/frozen water presents obvious and not-so-obvious dangers and is risky at any depth to people of any age, mobility, or health status. You must – MUST – exercise caution and personal responsibility in your Virtual Plunge activities! SOMD cannot identify or control the risks of every Virtual Plunge activity and has not endorsed or approved as safe any particular Virtual Plunge activity. 

Be smart, be safe, and be careful – for you and all who join you in your Virtual Plunge activity.  In whatever form your Virtual Plunge takes, follow all applicable water (and freezing water) safety and COVID-19 protocols. Have fun with it; but above all, BE SAFE.

We are so excited to be having a virtual plunge this year! It will not only provide an option for those isolating, but will also expand the reach of our event to all corners of the province – and beyond! While virtual events are plentiful these days, we have no doubt that the creativity will be flowing for all those that choose to participate. There are no restrictions as to how to get your plunge done – whether snow angels, cold buckets of water, or in a kiddie pool in your backyard, the opportunities are almost endless! Have some fun and get creative!

Check out our FAQs for more information or email us at info@specialolympics.ab.ca with any additional questions.

Besides the pride you’ll feel when you get #freezinforareason, you’ll also deserve an extra pat on the back for helping out Special Olympics Alberta athletes during this long period of pause in their programming. Your support is helping us develop and run virtual programming! Besides all the good feels, each registrant will also receive an automatic electronic $25 tax receipt and your registration-level incentive (a sweet Polar Plunge face mask) PLUS a $5 Tim Hortons gift card mailed to you within a couple weeks of registering!

With the ability to plunge virtually this year, you can now participate from anywhere! We’re so excited to have you join us and, as always, creativity is highly encouraged, whether via costumes or virtual plunge ideas! Register today

Registration fees are set at $50, which means you will get your first incentive - a super awesome polar bear face mask - with your registration. The mask plus a $5 Tim Hortons gift card will be mailed to you within a couple weeks of registering. You’ll also get a $25 tax receipt automatically emailed to you upon registering, to whichever email address you registered with.

Plungers can raise additional funds, earning them extra incentives along the way. You can share your online fundraising page with friends and family to easily collect donations online, with tax receipts automatically emailed to your donors directly. Details about submission and registration will be posted on your event page. 

If you collect any offline donations, please fill out the Pledge Form and email us to coordinate collection of funds. A charitable donation receipt will be issued by Special Olympics Alberta for all cash and cheque donations over $25 where donors have completed their contact information in full on the pledge form.

We have some awesome incentives in recognition of your fundraising efforts. Earn extra incentives along the way when you raise more funds! 

Individual plungers who raise funds will have a chance at the following incentives: 
$50 Registration Fee — Polar Plunge face mask 
$250 — All of the above and a 2021 Polar Plunge towel 
$750 — All of the above and a 2021 Polar Plunge plush bath robe

Are you the competitive type? We will be giving out awards at our Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police Awards and Recognition banquet for those who find themselves at the top of one of these fundraising categories: 

• Top plunger in Alberta 
• Top law enforcement member 
• Top athlete plunger 
• Top team in Alberta 
• Top law enforcement team 
• Top university team 

*Please note for virtual plunge video submissions: Your video submission will be shared to the Polar Plunge and Special Olympics Alberta social media pages and may be used for Sponsor Recognition posts by adding sponsor logo prior to sharing.