The Coast community is being urged to take the plunge for a special fundraising event.
The region’s inaugural Special Olympics Polar Plunge will take place from 9am on August 30 at the Kings Beach beachfront salt water pool in Caloundra.
The event will bring together Special Olympics athletes, law enforcement representatives, businesses, sporting clubs and community members to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Sunshine Coast.
The morning will begin with a ceremonial torch run featuring local Special Olympics athletes and members of the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR), before participants take turns plunging into the pool individually or in teams.
In a Facebook statement, mypolice Sunshine Coast said: “Our officers are joining with staff from several other agencies, who are all jumping into Kings Beach Pool in Caloundra together, to raise money for Special Olympics Australia. Locals can come down to Kings Beach Pool on the day to show their support and watch all the action.”
Special Olympics Sunshine Coast Chair Graeme Hight said the event would help support year-round sporting opportunities for people with intellectual disability and/or autism.
The organisation has about 100 athletes competing across basketball, bocce, football, tenpin bowling and swimming, supported by almost 30 volunteers.
“Special Olympics is about much more than a single event,” Mr Hight said.
“It is a wonderful opportunity for the wider community to stand alongside our athletes, have some fun and help us continue delivering these important local programs.”
Sunshine Coast 2032 Chair Roz White said the event reflected the inclusive community the region hoped to build ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
“Sunshine Coast 2032 is proud to support the Polar Plunge and help bring our community together behind local Special Olympics athletes,” she said.
“It is a fun and meaningful way for individuals, businesses, clubs and families to show their support for an inclusive sporting future.”
Nineteen Sunshine Coast Special Olympics athletes are also preparing to travel to Melbourne for the Special Olympics Australia National Games in October, where they will have the opportunity to represent their region on the national stage.
Participants for the plunge can register individually or form teams, with registration costing $30 and including a Polar Plunge T-shirt and fundraising page.
Prizes will be awarded for top individual and team fundraisers, along with the best male and female costumes.
