Freezin' for a reason: Law enforcement officers take a polar plunge
On the beach at Sunshine Camp, the air was bitter enough to see your breath.
Dozens of uniformed police officers, cadets, wildlife officers, prison guards, and campus security officers were there to take the polar plunge – to charge into the frigid water hollering, screaming and squealing – to take a neck-deep dip.
The annual Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) and polar plunge raises money and awareness about the Special Olympics.
"It takes your breath away," said event director Lynette Wells, a campus enforcement officer who also braved the bone-chilling waters Sunday afternoon.
All about the athletes
"We have 650 (Special Olympics) athletes in the province, and it's events like this that help provide them with the training and the support they need for their programs," said Wells.
This was the second polar plunge for Royal Newfoundland Constabulary cadet Adam Butt.
"It's for a great cause," he said. "To get out and show support of the Special Olympics athletes, I think it's fantastic."
"It's great to see all the different agencies out today supporting the cause."
The Law Enforcement Torch Run is an international event that started in Kansas and expanded across the U.S. and Canada.
It's been an annual tradition for law enforcement personnel in this province for over 25 years.
The dollars raised this year were still being counted Sunday afternoon, but since its inception, the Torch Run has donated $1.5 million to Special Olympics programming.