Braving a water temperature of 10.6℃, the first Echuca Polar Plunge saw widespread support on Sunday, August 10.
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The morning began with the Law Enforcement Torch Run, with athletes, coaches, family members and Campaspe Police Service Area officers joining in.
Participants circled Moama beach, swapping turns to lead the pack as they held the lit torch.
Groups then took the plunge and entered the water, some just dipping their toes, while others fully embraced the chill of the mighty Murray in early August.
“It was really good and exciting, something different,” Special Olympics athlete and plunge participant Casey Petrie said.
“I thought, ‘woah, I’m not going to panic’.”
Special Olympics Victoria chair John Elliott was thrilled to see the Echuca-Moama community embrace the plunge, hitting the $15,000 target before Sunday’s festivities.
He believes the success of the event will inspire more regional adoption.
“It’s an amazing effort for this community, but this is a ripple that will cause waves, and I think next year you’ll find that all the regions will do it,” Mr Elliott said.
“The fundraising piece is really important, but it gives everyone an opportunity to be inclusive.
“That’s the beauty of Special Olympics.”
In his time as chair, Mr Elliott has enjoyed seeing the Special Olympics world open more to the broader community.
The organisation always welcomes more volunteers to join its ranks.
“I think historically, unless you’ve had a child or sibling with intellectual disability, it’s probably been a bit of a closed shop,” he said.
“Whereas now ... if you don’t have prior experience with intellectual disability, it doesn’t matter.
“You will become a better person for finding out more about it.”
Among the supporters in this year’s event were local police officers, who took the plunge and raised $3500 for the cause.
New Campaspe PSA Inspector Brett Sampson was more than happy to dive into the day before diving into his new position on Monday, August 11.
“I had a ball,” he said.
“It was well worth it and it was a good opportunity to embed ourselves into a special cause.
“They do a great job.”
Law Enforcement Torch Run president and police officer Matt Volk was impressed with Insp. Sampson and the wider PSA’s involvement in the initiative.
“When we’ve got (police) staff coming to these areas, we want their community to know them, to be accessible, to have conversations with them,” he said.
“By Brett (being) here, he’s showing that he’s inclusive as a leader and that he’s here for his whole community.
“Policing is not just enforcing the law, it’s about connecting and building a relationship with the community.”
Fundraising is still open to support Special Olympics athletes to find joy and friendship through sport.
The funds also help athletes attend competitions throughout the year, which can be particularly challenging for regional crews.
Donations can be made to include.specialolympics.com.au/event/pp-echuca-25
Cadet Journalist