Polar Plunge results are out

Courtesy of Cobourg Police Facebook

By Cecilia Nasmith

The results are in from the March 22 Polar Plunge, organized by the Cobourg and Port Hope Police Services with support from Community Living and Respite Northumberland.

As a result, $18,740 has been raised for Special Olympics Ontario.

This event was one of a series of police similar events across Ontario, exemplifying their long-standing relationship with the event and the many fundraising and awareness initiatives undertaken since 1987. It is one of the Law Enforcement Torch Run's largest annual fundraising events.

To kick off the event at the Cobourg Marina, athlete Robert Smith was joined by event organizers Constable Tammie Staples (of Port Hope) and Constable Josalyn Hilts (Cobourg) to be the first plungers. They were followed by more than 80 additional teams and community plungers out to support Special Olympics Ontario.

Both forces extend sincere thanks to all who participate, donated or came out to cheer on the plungers. Appreciation also goes to the Town of Cobourg for event and logistical support, as well as Cobourg Fire and Northumberland Paramedics for their in-the-water and on-site assistance to ensure participant safety. The Cobourg Yacht Club's generous offer of space for registration and post-plunge warm-up was gratefully accepted, and the food and drinks Giant Tiger provided to fuel the plungers is appreciated.

Both Cobourg and Port Hope police have also released the 2026 Special Olympics Torch Run coin, available for purchase for $20 at their respective stations – 107 King St. W. in Cobourg and 55 Fox Rd. in Port Hope.