Locals are being invited to brave the winter waters at Dumaresq Dam in Armidale on Sunday, August 3rd, for the region’s first-ever Polar Plunge, with all proceeds going to support athletes with intellectual disabilities through Special Olympics New South Wales.
The event is part of a growing national initiative run by the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) NSW, a volunteer-based charity made up of officers from the NSW Police Force and other law enforcement agencies. LETR is dedicated to raising both funds and awareness for Special Olympics programs across their home states.
The Armidale event, organised by Special Olympics North West New England, is open to anyone aged 12 and over. Registration opens at 9am, and the plunge kicks off at 10am. Entry is $25 per person, and all money raised will remain in the region to directly benefit local Special Olympics athletes.
The Polar Plunge is LETR’s most successful global fundraiser and has raised millions internationally. Despite Australia’s milder winters, LETR President Scott Whyte said the event has gained traction, expanding from capital cities last year to regional events in 2025.
“We’ve been doing Polar Plunges around the world for about 15 years, mostly in the US, where it’s so cold they have to chainsaw through ice to get into the lakes,” Mr Whyte said. “But it turns out Armidale in August is cold enough for a proper plunge.”
The Law Enforcement Torch Run itself has been operating globally for 44 years, and Mr Whyte said its impact continues to grow.
“Over that time, we’ve raised more than one billion US dollars globally. That money supports Special Olympics athletes, not just through sport, but through social inclusion, education, and confidence-building programs.”
Last year, LETR decided to roll out the Polar Plunge nationally across several states, including NSW, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia.
“In NSW alone, we raised between $90,000 and $95,000 during last year’s plunge,” Mr Whyte said. “But we also heard from clubs that it was too hard for them to travel to Sydney, so this year we told them: run your own events and keep every dollar you raise.”
The Armidale plunge is one of several regional events now being run entirely by local Special Olympics clubs, with support from LETR volunteers. The North West New England club is spearheading the Armidale event, and there’s already strong support from local law enforcement and community groups.
“We know we’ve got a police team lined up, and we’re hoping to see others join in like the Rural Fire Service, SES, sporting clubs and schools,” Mr Whyte said. “It’s a really fun event and such a worthwhile cause.”
Those wanting to register or donate can do so online at www.polarplunge.sydney. The website includes videos from previous events and a dedicated page for the Armidale plunge, where participants can sign up and start fundraising.
“Even if you’re not plunging, come along, cheer people on, or chip in a donation,” Mr Whyte said. “Every dollar helps build a more inclusive world for people with intellectual disabilities.”
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