Batman, Wonder Woman take the plunge (15 photos)

Civilians, many of them in costumes, joined law enforcement officers from Sault, Ontario and Sault, Michigan in the annual Polar Plunge fundraiser for Special Olympics, the plunge taking place outside the Elks Lodge at 1111 East Portage Avenue, Sault, Michigan Saturday.

“The Polar Plunge is an annual event we do with our brothers and sisters in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, but it’s nice to see the high turnout we have this here with participants for both sides,” said Sault Police Service Cst. Shaun Beaulieu, this year’s event designed to generate even greater awareness and funds for Special Olympics, as the Special Olympics Ontario 2019 Provincial Winter Games will be held Jan. 31 to Feb. 3, 2019 at the John Rhodes Community Centre, Essar Centre, Community First Curling Centre and Searchmont Ski Resort.

“Last year we had approximately 70 people registered for last year’s plunge and brought in about $10,000, and this year we’ve already exceeded that…we have more than 75 registered this year who have collected pledges, with about $15,000 raised between both sides,” Beaulieu said.

Money raised by Canadians and U.S. citizens for Special Olympics at such events, Beaulieu said, stays in their respective countries.

U.S. Special Olympians are invited to take part in the 2019 games in Sault, Ontario, which will include Nordic skiing, Alpine skiing, figure skating, speed skating, curling and snowshoeing.

Special Olympics is the charity of choice for the International Association of Chiefs of Police.