It was a cold jump into the icy water for the third-annual Polar Plunge on Saturday as plungers battled the chilliest year yet, a frigid -14C. The Freezin’ for a Reason Polar Plunge, at Nicholas Sheran Park, is put on by the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics and raises funds for the athletes.

While the event here in Lethbridge is only in its third year, it has seen slight growth with a total of 33 plungers for 2014. Raising around $5,000 dollars last year the goal was to do the same or more this year.

Constable Blaine Stodolka, who has plunged the last two years, took this year to focus on planning and organization of the event saying the frigid temperature makes it “an actual polar plunge this year.” Stodolka says he would love to see 100 plungers and the event continue to grow. 

“I think it’s something that should be on everybody’s bucket list,” says Stodolka.

Four students from Lethbridge College’s (LC) criminal justice program were among those knocking the plunge off their bucket lists. With the team name “Just Ice,” the students took their shot to plunge into Nicholas Sheran with gavels in hand. Daniel Todd, LC student says this was his second year to brave the cold but says the wait before the jump is worse than the jump itself.

“Bitter cold. The lead up I think was the worst part. When I actually got in the water it wasn’t as bad, but the lead up was definitely brutal,” says Todd.

Whether you jumped or not, the entire event was an enjoyable spectacle. For the plungers a quick jump into a frozen abyss, followed by a warm up in a hot tub. While the jump may have only lasted a moment the money raised makes all the difference for the future of the athletes of the Special Olympics.