Albany community ready to brave the cold in Polar Plunge to raise vital funds for Special Olympics WA

Emergency services personnel and members of the community will take an icy plunge as they jump from the Middleton Beach jetty for a good cause on Sunday.

Police, paramedics and firefighters will be joined by members of the Albany community as they brave the cold in the Polar Plunge to raise much-needed funds for Special Olympics WA.

About 30 people will plunge into the ocean either in teams or as individuals on Sunday morning and their fundraising has surpassed $1700 already.

Albany police officer Constable Lizzy Alderson was keen to start a local Polar Plunge.

The WA event is part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics.

“The Polar Plunge has been held for a number of years at Hillary’s Boat Harbour and I loved the idea of starting the event in Albany,” Const. Alderson said.

“We have 20 police officers plus a number of paramedics, firefighters, Special Olympics volunteers and members of the public who have pledged to get cold and jump off the Middleton Beach jetty.

“We would love for the community to come and watch our first responders jump into the chilly water and fundraise for a great cause.

“There has been a strong connection between WA police and Special Olympics WA and the officers at Albany police station have been fantastic about jumping on board and supporting the event.”

The money raised will go to Special Olympics WA to help athletes with intellectual disabilities by providing more sporting programs, events, equipment, sports coaches and medals.

The event will start at 10am and organisers are calling on the community to participate or come along and support those jumping into the ocean.

Many taking part will be in their work uniform or a costume and Great Southern Police Superintendent Paul Coombes will be among them.

Registration is only $10 and you can sign up at www.mycause.com.au/events/letrpolarplungealbany.

A welcome ceremony involving Special Olympics WA athletes will open the event before the plunge takes place followed by a pancake breakfast.