Polar Plunge 2026 Raises More Than $57,000 for Special Olympics Ontario

The 2026 Polar Plunge brought together police members, community participants, and local businesses, raising $57,451.85 for Special Olympics Ontario as 191 plungers braved the cold in support of inclusive sport.

The event officially kicked off with Chief Peter Moreira leading the first plunge, joined by members of the Durham Regional Police Service Command Team. The annual fundraiser marked the sixth year DRPS members have taken part in the Polar Plunge in support of Special Olympics athletes.

Before plungers entered the water, attendees heard from Special Olympics athlete Kyle Myers, a proud member of the Pickering community and a familiar face within Special Olympics Durham. Myers competes in basketball and five‑pin bowling and spoke about the impact Special Olympics has had on his life and his family. Special Olympics is a shared commitment for the Myers family—Kyle’s sisters, Courtney and Jeanie, are also athletes, supported by their father, Wayne Myers, a longtime supporter of Special Olympics who has represented Team Canada at the Special Olympics World Games.

Organizers credited the success of the event to the dedication of participants, volunteers, and sponsors who helped make the fundraiser possible.

Sponsors included: Cherry Pools and MVW Construction, Blacks Water Supply , Gangster Cheese,  MTC Bowmanville, The Stanway Team, Dustyn Birkhof, MLSE, Volt Raceway Bowmanville, John Haze, Kelsey Bowmanville, Hockey Life, iFLY Whitby, Swiss Chalet Whitby, Brooklin Pub, On the Move – Moving, Boston Pizza Whitby, Bullocks Restaurant Whitby, Johnny Cuts Barbershop, Rainbow Restaurant, Wendel Clark’s / Yuk Yuk’s, The Keg Oshawa, East Side Mario’s Oshawa, Superstore Oshawa, Mathilda’s Restaurant, Victory Cigars, Thomas Milner Lawn Care, Scotties Whitby, Oshawa Movie Theatre, Six Thirty Barber, Baxter’s Landing, One Eyed Jack’s, Crooked Uncle, Petley‑Hare Insurance, Kelly Greenway Bruce, The Town, Little Beast, Beer Town Whitby, Costco Oshawa, The Vanderdium Mortgage Team, and Lululemon.

Funds raised through the Polar Plunge support year‑round Special Olympics programming, including training, competitions, and development opportunities for athletes across Ontario.