Cool temperatures last weekend didnSA国际影视传媒檛 stop Yellowknife residents from gathering for a good cause.
Polar Plunge 2024 took place at Arctic Duchess Adventures, located on Yellowknife Bay, on Saturday. The event brought together people who took a dip in the chilly water to support Special Olympics NWT.
SA国际影视传媒淲eSA国际影视传媒檙e freezing for a reason,SA国际影视传媒� said Sandra Turner, Special Olympics NWTSA国际影视传媒檚 executive director.
The event is supported by the Law Enforcement Torch Run and and marked a significant comeback with more than $25,000 raised, a record-breaking achievement for the organization.
Turner said it was the first such event in five years; in past years, itSA国际影视传媒檚 been held at Long Lake in May.
The plunge wasnSA国际影视传媒檛 just about the funds, Turner added.
SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 not a sport, but an opportunity for socialization and learning,SA国际影视传媒� she said.
This was the first time Turner had organized the plunge in her role and she said she was pleased with the outcome.
Jennifer Broadbridge, one of the plunge participants, said everything was as well co-ordinated as it couldSA国际影视传媒檝e been.
SA国际影视传媒淭he turnout was impressive, and the hot tents were a welcome retreat,SA国际影视传媒� she said. SA国际影视传媒淭he anticipation was nerve-wracking, but the actual dive was invigorating.SA国际影视传媒�
Jake Olsen, owner of Arctic Duchess Adventures, said the collaboration with Special Olympics NWT was a natural progression for him as he has a personal affinity for cold plunging and saunas.
SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 close to my heart, and I wanted to share that with others on a larger scale,SA国际影视传媒� he said.
Melvin Ikink, whoSA国际影视传媒檚 originally from the Netherlands, was one of the participants.
Despite not being accustomed to the extreme cold of CanadaSA国际影视传媒檚 North, he embraced the challenge.
SA国际影视传媒淚tSA国际影视传媒檚 a unique experience, especially since it doesnSA国际影视传媒檛 get this cold back home,SA国际影视传媒� he said.
He said his participation was also a tribute to a friendSA国际影视传媒檚 31st birthday and an opportunity to contribute to Special Olympics.
