Special Olympics Echuca athlete James Whelan, Echuca-Moama Kiwanis Internationale president Tim Dawes, Special Olympics Echuca Chair Ross Whelan and Special Olympics Echuca athlete Katrina Delaney are getting ready for the Polar Plunge. Photo: Jordan Townrow.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
If you want to support Special Olympics Echuca, come down to Moama beach and take the Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge on Sunday, August 10.
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The event, which helps raise funds and awareness for athletes with intellectual disabilities is the first LETR Polar Plunge event in regional Victoria.
LETR is a global movement of police and emergency services personnel who have championed Special Olympics for over 20 years worldwide, with the Australian edition of the event beginning in 2023.
The fundraising goal for the Special Olympics Polar Plunge in Australia in 2025 is $300,000 with funds raised this year exceeding $150,000 so far.
“LETR exists to fundraise for Special Olympics around the world and in Australia it’s no exception, they are a wonderful group of policemen and women that volunteer their time to help Special Olympics grow and prosper, so I can’t speak highly enough of them and are a great support for us,” Special Olympics Victoria Chair John Elliott said.
“The Polar Plunge has been good this year; we are on track to beat last year’s total and with the inclusion of Echuca-Moama we’d love to have as much local support as we can.”
The Echuca-Moama edition of the plunge will begin at 8am with last-minute registrations, followed by the LETR torch run organised by Victoria Police and then the plunge and coffee to warm up.
“This is the first LETR Polar Plunge in regional Victoria so it is really exciting, hopefully the day goes well for the athletes and Special Olympics Echuca,” Special Olympics Echuca Chair Ross Whelan said.
“We’ve got roughly 12 people registered currently, but Victoria Police is going to register a team of four and hopefully NSW Police gets on board too.
“We are reaching out to sporting clubs, community living, service clubs and the public to get involved and support the cause.
“Anybody who is interested and has the willingness to support Special Olympics athletes with intellectual disabilities are urged to get involved.
“Everyone is very excited for it, despite being a little bit hesitant to jump in the river in August, but for the cause everyone is more than willing to do it.”
The registration donation is $50 for the public and $25 for Special Olympics Australia athletes. If you would like to participate or donate, visit https://include.specialolympics.com.au/event/pp-echuca-25
Special Olympics Echuca athletes James Whelan and Katrina Delaney are getting ready for the Polar Plunge. Photo: Jordan Townrow.
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