Police officers take the plunge for Special Olympics Pennsylvania

HOLLIDAYSBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) held its annual Winter Games Polar Plunge at Canoe Creek State Park on Saturday.

Over 500 individuals took the plunge into the water to raise funds for Special Olympics Pennsylvania despite the cold weather. Matt Plummer, a sergeant with the Altoona Police Department, was excited to participate in another plunge.

“It can be easy to forget how cold it gets after a year, but as it starts to approach again, we quickly remember,” Plummer said.

Despite the freezing water, many participants still took the plunge, enduring the chilly temperatures, as a sign of camaraderie.

“The absence of ice this year makes it worse, but being here with the athletes and seeing their smiles and what we are doing this for is great,” Plummer said.

James Caulfield, a Marlboro officer and New Jersey native, traveled by plane to the plunge, along with many other officers from out of state.

“I came out here to show my support for SOPA, and I’m really enjoying the experience. It’s great to see that they are raising awareness, and I’m meeting a lot of amazing people and networking with them. At the end of the day, it’s all about the athletes,” Caulfield said.

Karly Heath is the Stewardship Manager and Law Enforcement Liaison for Special Olympics Pennsylvania. She is responsible for raising funds to support athletes for equipment, training, and health screenings.

“A total of $137,000 has been raised so far, and this amount is expected to increase in the upcoming weeks,” Heath said.

If you missed the plunge, you can still make a donation online.