Saskatoon police chief, Roughriders take part in ‘polar plunge’

Chief McBride takes the polar plunge (Stacey Hein/CTV News)

Some members of the Saskatoon Police Service and the Saskatchewan Roughriders braved the cold for a good cause Saturday morning.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run’s Polar Plunge is back for another year. The goal is to raise money and show support for the Special Olympics.

A large pool of freezing water was set up in the Cabela’s parking lot. Saskatoon Police Chief Cam McBride broke the ice, being the first to jump in the water. He then rushed to a nearby hot tub to warm-up.

“It absolutely took my breath away. Yeah, it was cold,” McBride told reporters right after taking the plunge.

McBride said participating in the event was a privilege.

“If you go online, whether it’s YouTube, Facebook, and you look at the faces of individuals who have the opportunity to engage in sport through the Special Olympics – being able to do our part to make sure that everybody has that opportunity. It’s just, it’s incredible,” he said.

The Saskatchewan Roughrider’s Jorgen Hus, Saskatoon police officers and alternative response officers also took the plunge on Saturday.

The Special Olympics World Winter Games will get underway on March 8 in Turin, Italy.