Saskatoon police take the plunge for Saskatchewan Special Olympics

Jumping into an icy pool in the middle of winter in Saskatchewan probably isn’t what most people want to do, but that’s what Saskatoon Police Service officers did on Saturday morning, including police chief Cam McBride.

As part of the service’s “Law Enforcement Torch Run” events, the chilly dip was all in the name of raising money for Special Olympics Saskatchewan.

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In the Cabela’s parking lot near Attridge Drive and Preston Avenue, just after 10 a.m. in a temperature of -9C with wind chill making it feel like -17 C, McBride laughed and called it a “typical” Saskatchewan morning as he leapt into the water.

“I’ve never been so cold in my life,” he said, his voice cracking after the experience.

On a more serious note, McBride said he was proud to take part in the important event.

“Having the opportunity to raise awareness like this, particularly as a police service that’s immersed in the community wanting to give back, it’s so important – and it’s a privilege to do that,” he said.

McBride added that it felt good to be able to help the athletes.

Special Olympics Saskatchewan’s website says the organization optimizes the benefits of a healthy and active lifestyle through sport to improve the well being of individuals with an intellectual disability.

Part of its mission is to educate people about the dignity and gifts of all people and to recognize similarities instead of differences.

“It gives us the opportunity to ensure that anybody who needs that financial assistance, whether it’s through training or through travel, that they have the opportunity. Not everyone has the same means,” McBride said.

Participants in the polar plunge must raise a minimum of $100 in donations, while teams up to a maximum of eight must have at least $600 in pledges.

Special Olympics Saskatchewan says the provincial games in the province are held every two years, alternating between summer and winter competitions. These games serve as qualifiers for national games and an opportunity to be part of Team Saskatchewan.

The 2025 Provincial Summer Games will be held in June.

Saskatchewan’s representatives at 2025 Special Olympics World Winter Games

Three Saskatchewan athletes are part of the 91 Team Canada representatives competing in the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy from March 8 to 15, where more than 1,500 international athletes from 102 delegations will compete in eight sports.

Taylor Barth from Borden and Michael Qing will compete in alpine skiing.

See Taylor Barth practising alpine skiing:

“I want people to know that we are just people who need a little extra care. Most of us feel like we have to mask who we are. Get to know the individual.

“It can make a world of difference when we feel like we don’t have to wear a mask, and can be ourselves, Barth says on the Team Canada website.

Saskatoon speed skater Jordan Stevenson rounds out the provinces squad.

“My goal for Turin is to be able to step off the ice and feel like I’ve skated the best I can skate, whether win or lose,” Stevenson said on the Team Canada website.

“There’s no need to be the best at anything as long as you’re having fun and trying your hardest.

Donations to Special Olympics Saskatchewan can be made online here.

— with files from CKOM’s Will Mandzuk and CKOM News

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• ‘I’m a superstar’: Saskatoon preteen proudly represents Special Olympics
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