Making waves for inclusion at the 2026 Polar Plunge for Special Olympics BC
Across the province, more than 700 participants made a splash for a life-changing cause during the 2026 Law Enforcement Torch Run® Polar Plunge® for Special Olympics BC.
Breaking records
This year’s event was the largest in Polar Plunge for Special Olympics BC history, raising over $400,000 to empower athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities and strengthen inclusion across our province. Every Plunge helped open doors for athletes to access year-round sport, youth, and health programs, creating opportunities for confidence, connection, and belonging.
Sincere thanks to our hundreds of Plungers and event organizers, and to more than 4,200 supporters who donated to make a difference for Special Olympics athletes!
At the Cranbrook Plunge, Special Olympics BC athlete Samantha McLean spoke with CBC about the impact Special Olympics has had on her.
Participants at the Maple Ridge Polar Plunge braved the cold waters of Alouette Lake, including Special Olympics BC athletes who told the Maple Ridge News how Special Olympics has shaped their lives.
Athlete David Stevenson noted the costs are low to register for Special Olympics BC programs, and at just $40 for the season, he is able to play as many sports as he likes and the equipment is supplied.
Plungers braved the cold waters from Castlegar to Coquitlam, Kamloops to Chilliwack, and Abbotsford to Terrace, all to make a difference for Special Olympics BC athletes and programs.
This year also marked a major milestone: 10 years of Polar Plunge for Special Olympics BC. Over the decade, the Plunge has raised more than $2 million to support Special Olympics athletes and strengthen inclusion in our communities. The success is possible thanks to hundreds of brave Polar Plungers taking on the chilly challenge, and generous donors and supporters committed to changing lives through the power and joy of sport.
Celebrating #Plunge4SOBC award winners
Congratulations to the top fundraising individuals and teams!
Thank you for making an impact!
We are so grateful to the volunteer champions with the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics BC, as well as all Plunge participants, donors, supporters, and sponsors!
Event Partner: Prospera Credit Union
Media Sponsors: 1130 NewsRadio Vancouver, Citytv, Jack 96.9, Kiss Throwbacks, OMNI Television, and Sportsnet 650.
Law enforcement members led the way in organizing 18 popular, colourful, and fun Plunge events across B.C. In addition, Special Olympics BC members in 24 communities joined a wide range of champions of inclusion across the province in taking the Plunge in their own creative ways to raise vital funds to strengthen inclusion through sport.
A round of applause for the #Plunge4SOBC events:
- Abbotsford
- Castlegar
- Chilliwack
- Cranbrook
- Kamloops
- Langley
- Nelson
- North Shore
- Powell River
- Port Alberni
- Ridge Meadows
- Rocky Point
- South Okanagan
- Surrey
- Sunshine Coast
- Terrace
- Vancouver
- Vancouver Island
And to the organizations who teamed up to take the Corporate Challenge!
- Doane Grant Thornton
- Heritage Office Furnishings
- Heritage Woods Secondary School
- Michael Campbell’s Money Talks
- MNP Victoria
- Prospera Credit Union
Thank you to everyone who took the Plunge at home and in their community!