Cobourg, ON (May 7, 2024) — The chilly waters of Lake Ontario witnessed an incredible display of courage and community spirit during the 2024 Cobourg / Port Hope Polar Plunge. On March 28th, 2024, 93 daring plungers took the icy leap to support Special Olympics Ontario.
For the second year in a row, the local event hosted in partnership between Cobourg Police Service (CPS), Port Hope Police Service (PHPS), and Community Living & Respite Northumberland (CL) raised over $27,000 ($27,066). Every dollar raised will directly benefit Special Olympics Ontario programs, which provide year-round sports training and competition opportunities for athletes.
Police services across Ontario have a strong relationship with Special Olympics, participating in events through the Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) since 1987. The LETR has evolved to encompass a variety of fundraising platforms. The Polar Plunge is the largest annual fundraising event for the LETR. The funds raised locally helped the LETR surpass its 2024 goal, raising over one million dollars.
The 2024 Cobourg / Port Hope Polar Plunge was made possible by the efforts and generous support of participating individuals and organizations, local businesses, community members, and donors. Thank you to all the participants, including members from CPS, PHPS, CL and local Special Olympic Athletes, Town of Cobourg Staff, Cobourg Fire Department and Durham College Fire placement students, Northumberland Paramedics, Five Counties Children’s Centre, and the Ice Ice Ladies team.
A special thank you to our major donors:
- Giant Tiger
- Metro
- Cramahe Firefighters Association
- Chadwick’s Towing & Repairs Inc.
- Cobourg Mazda
- Spencer Transport Inc.
2024 Special Olympics Torch Run Coin
CPS and PHPS have created the 2024 Special Olympics Torch Run coin.
The coins are available for purchase at the Cobourg Police Service (107 King Street East, Cobourg) and the Port Hope Police Service (55 Fox Road, Port Hope) for $20 each. All proceeds from the coins will go to support Special Olympics Ontario.
These coins are a limited edition and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis while supply lasts.