Taking Plunge for Special Olympics Athletes

By Gordon Middleton

Gordon Middleton

Videographer

43 Division

This year’s Toronto Police Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Ontario has surpassed the $100,000 fundraising mark.

As of March 25, a total of $113,183 was raised.

“The outpouring of support for this event has been fantastic,” said Superintendent David Rydzik, who has taken part in every Plunge since 2016. “You get hooked on supporting the athletes once you watch them take part in a sports endeavor. For them to do that in an organized structure, they need funding, which is what events like this provide.”

Rydzik's 43 Division team, 43 Degrees Below Zero, raised $20,000 this year.

Chief Myron Demkiw joined other TPS members in plunging into the frigid water at this year’s fundraiser at the Toronto Zoo.

“I really appreciate everything our members do each and every day in all they do,” he said. “But importantly, they also volunteer and and give back to the community like today.”

Toronto Raptors Ambassador Jamaal Magloire attended this year’s Polar Plunge.

“We have to make sure that we invest in our community so that we can be the best city in the world,” he said. “Thanks for coming out everyone and let’s make our city a better place.”

Last year, a total of $73, 406 was raised.

Police officers jump into a water tank
Chief Myron Demkiw (left) and members of the TPA and Chief's office jump into the polar plunge Photo: Brent Smyth

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