The Polar Plunge in 2021 took place at Arctic Spas in an unheated, iced-over hot tub. (File photo: LNN)

By Sarah Jones

Lethbridge Polar Plunge returns as in-person event in 2023

Jan 24, 2023 | 12:57 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – After a few years of virtual events, the annual Polar Plunge will return to Henderson Lake in Lethbridge for an in-person affair.

In partnership with the Law Enforcement Torch Run, the Lethbridge Police Service (LPS) will be hosting the Polar Plunge to raise awareness and funds for the Special Olympics.

Participants will take a chilly dip into the freezing water at Henderson Lake and fully submerge their head before hopping out to dry off and warm up in a hot tub supplied by Arctic Spas.

This year, community members are encouraged to sign up as a team or individually, and raise money for Special Olympics athletes and competitions.

In Alberta, the 2023 Polar Plunge has set a collective goal of raising $150,000. The initiative has already raised $77,200.

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Constable Braylon Hyggen, who oversees the organization of the annual Plunge said in a news release, “We’re looking forward to seeing some familiar faces return this year and hope to see a few new ones.”

He went on, “This is the first in-person event since 2019 and we’re encouraging community members to come out and join us – in the water or cheering from the shore.”

Hyggen has formed the ‘BRRRothers in Blue’ team, which includes LPS Inspector Jason Dobirstein, LPS Chief Shahin Mehdizadeh and Lethbridge Mayor Blaine Hyggen.

Costumes are strongly encouraged as plungers 16 and older make the slow walk into the water at 12:00 p.m. on February 4, 2023.

Those interested in signing up can register in advance and spectators can donate online to a team already participating. Learn more at the Special Olympics Alberta website.

Read more at LethbridgeNewsNow.com

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