Special Olympics Echuca held its annual Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge on Sunday, July 26, raising $12,435 to support the club’s athletes.
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Forty plungers braved the icy water and were “Freezin’ for a reason” in various costumes.
They dressed as everything from Tina Turner to Superman, showing up in their droves to support SOE.
Athletes and law enforcement personnel started the day with a torch relay before the main event started.
SOE volunteer Nicole Lade said the fundraiser was brilliant.
“It was freezing ‒ which was the whole point,“ Ms Lade said.
“There was spirit, people dressed up in costumes.”
“It was a really nice morning of gathering and everyone coming together, [and] from a fundraising perspective, it was very successful.”
Sam Smythe, a SOE golfer from Mildura, was the event’s top fundraiser, raising $2433.
The total raised stood at $12,237 on the day, and had risen to $12,435 as of noon on Monday.
The funds will support SOE’s athletes, including the 14 selected for this year’s Special Olympics National Games in Victoria.
Event organiser Shirley Milgate said the late relocation from Moama beach due to river inundation proved a blessing in disguise.
“It was great that Naughtons Pools and Spas came to the fore to be our venue sponsor,” she said.
“I think they’re quite enthusiastic to do it again.”
She said that though it was only the second iteration of the event, community support had noticeably grown.
“It was so wonderful.”
“Hopefully, it’s going to be bigger and better next year.”
Donations can still be made to SOE by visiting https://tinyurl.com/2k2wfyy5