The 10th annual Polar Plunge to support Special Olympics Alberta kicks off on January 31, 2021, only this year it's virtual. Participants are encouraged to get creative this year with anything that you have in and around your house.

Chelsea Fiddler, Fund Development Manager, Special Olympics Alberta says, "You can do snow angels in your backyard, you can whip out the kiddie pool, maybe put a little bit of ice water in it, or you can also do something along the lines of an ice bucket challenge, and as long as you're safe, have a family or friend dump a bucket of ice water on your head. The sky is the limit in terms of creativity". 

Fiddler says, that safety is of utmost importance and there are things they do not want you doing. "We do not recommend or want anyone going to cut their own hole in a lake to do the plunge as we maybe would have in the past, because obviously at that time we had divers in the water, and EMS on site".

Participants will be able to take photos or videos of their plunges and post it to their social media accounts, and are being asked to tag Plunge Alberta. All the photos and videos taken will then be compiled, and put on one website for people to check out. 

A launch party will be taking place on January 31, 2021 to kick off the plunge season. Anyone taking part will have until March 13, 2021 to complete their polar plunge. The opening ceremony will be live streaming on Facebook and YouTube, and feature a live band and some great speakers. 

Registration is $50, and comes along with an automatic $25 tax receipt, and an adorable polar bear plunge mask that will be mailed to you. You'll also be able to earn other exciting incentives along the way through fundraising.

Fiddler says, "Support of our athletes has truly been amazing, and these events are life changing for them". 

For more information, or to register for the 10th annual "virtual" Polar Plunge 2021, go to www.specialolympics.ca/albertapolarplunge, you can also visit the Plunge Alberta Facebook page.