Polar Plunge for Special Olympics BC returning to Rocky Point Park
One resident is hoping to chip in $500 for the annual event
Ken Kuhn may not be in the water for a long time, but he is hoping to make a big splash for local athletes.
Kuhn, a retired teacher who now advocates for seniors in the Tri-Cities, has launched a Polar Plunge fundraiser at Rocky Point Park for Special Olympics BC, an organization that hosts year-round sport competitions for more than 5,200 athletes with intellectual disabilities across the province.
“I figured this is a small challenge I’ll face, doing the Polar Plunge, compared to all of the challenges that they face every day in their life,” Kuhn said. “I’ll be getting in the water, having a little fun and getting out pretty quick.”
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The Port Moody ice dip, which is scheduled for March 2, is part of an annual international fundraiser for Special Olympics athletes across Canada and the U.S. As of Feb. 20, the B.C. movement has raised more than $32,000 for Special Olympics athletes in the province.
There are 14 in-person Polar Plunges — ranging from Saanich to Terrace — scheduled in B.C. between Feb. 17 and Mar. 3.
Last year, the Port Moody Police hosted the plunge at Rocky Point, which raised $11,000 for the local chapter.
Kuhn said he wanted to create his own fundraiser this year that draws more attention to the importance of the Special Olympics. Because Special Olympics BC allows folks with intellectual disabilities to play competitive sports, just like any other kid in the province, Kuhn said.
“The important thing is that these are people too,” he said. “They didn’t choose to have an intellectual disability but they’re making the best of their life.”
The money will not only go toward hosting golf tournaments or swimming meets, Kuhn said. The sport competitions will also give caregivers a break from looking after their athletes and the chance to cheer them on from afar.
“The people who are taking care of these individuals also need some respite,” he said. “I think some of the funds help the parents too.”
The Port Moody Police will once again be at Rocky Point Park, Kuhn added, providing thermal blankets to the people exiting Burrard Inlet after a chilly ocean dip.
Kuhn has set a goal of raising $500 through his own fundraiser. He is passionate about bringing attention to the Special Olympics — even if it means he has to get a little cold.
“Someone with an intellectual disability may have a disability that’s not visible,” Kuhn said. “So hopefully this brings some awareness about having general respect for other people.”
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