RCMP officers take the plunge for Special Olympics Canada

By Alexandra Cotroneo

Corporal April Gavel takes the plunge into freezing waters.

Image by Corporal April Gavel

April 29, 2025

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This winter RCMP officers across Canada laced up their sneakers; and braved frigid waters all to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics. The partnership, that goes beyond the badge, serves to strengthen community relationships to support meaningful causes. Among the ways the RCMP engages with communities across Canada is the annual Torch Run and Polar Plunge, two of the largest Special Olympics fundraising events in the country.

Blazing a trail

From Surrey, British Columbia to all over Canada, RCMP officers participated in the annual Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics, carrying the torch that ultimately lights the flame at the opening ceremonies of both the Special Olympics Summer and Winter Games. This event sees participants, including RCMP officers running through their communities to raise awareness and funds for athlete training, competitions, and year-round programming.

Sergeant Stuart Gray from Surrey RCMP has been a long-time participant in the Torch Run in British Columbia. Initially drawn to the event by his interest in organizing large-scale community gatherings, Gray quickly found deeper meaning in the experience.

"Interacting with the athletes is something very special," he shares, Special Olympics athletes participate in varying events in support of their training programs and competitions. The event initially targeted police officers, the event has expanded to include the Surrey fire department, and even the BC Lions CFL team to participate.

Braving the cold

The Polar Plunge is another event where RCMP officers, alongside members of the community, take a dive into freezing cold waters to raise money for the Special Olympics.

"Participating in the Polar Plunge is one of the most rewarding events I've ever been a part of," says Corporal April Gavel from Northwest Territories RCMP. Seeing the joy on the athlete's face and the impact is indescribable, Gavel says. The plunge into Yellowknife's Great Slave Lake, where temperatures can be below freezing, but the positive energy at these events makes the experience that much more enjoyable for participants and spectators. The group raised $34,000 for Special Olympics in the Northwest Territories.

This event is more than a physical challenge, it allows officers to show their dedication to supporting communities and meaningful organizations outside of their regular policing duties.

At this year's Polar Plunge in Whitehorse, Yukon RCMP officers and local community members braved a giant water-filled bin on an exceptionally cold day of -11 C.

"Knowing that we're contributing to such a great cause is incredibly meaningful," says Sergeant Brent Edwards. Edwards has been a participating in the Polar Plunge since 2021. At the event in December 2024, Edwards and his team of seven RCMP officers raised thousands of dollars, towards Special Olympics in the Yukon.

First responder's faceoff at centre ice

Another popular event that brings the community together is the annual "Guns vs. Hoses" charity hockey game, pitting RCMP officers against local firefighters. Whitehorse RCMP hosted this friendly, but competitive event. What started as a charity game has now become a beloved tradition, drawing nearly 3,000 people from the community who come together to support both local RCMP members and fire and rescue services. This event is a celebration of community spirit and camaraderie, highlighting how the RCMP's efforts foster support within the communities they serve.

"What started as a locker room idea for a fun game, turned into a way we have used sport to support local charities in Whitehorse" says Constable Noah Beglaw, who participated in the game.

Creating lasting impact

Amy Cruickshank, who supports the Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP) Branch at the RCMP's National Headquarters in Ottawa, has volunteered with Special Olympics since 2006. Over the years, she has been involved with the Ottawa snowshoeing team, chaperoning the athletes regionally, provincially, nationally, and internationally. In March 2025, she attended the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, Italy as a coach.

"I have been choked up at every single medal ceremony I have attended," says Cruickshank. "The joy and pride that each athlete shows when they win a medal is something I cannot describe, but could watch every day."

"The amazement of the athletes both on the field and off, to work hard, push their limits, and share their feelings with teammates is inspiring. The pride and joy in this group is incredible." The work done throughout the year to raise money for Special Olympics by the RCMP and our communities help to make these events possible.

With the support from funds raised collectively, this year Team Canada sent 90 athletes, 24 coaches, 5 mission staff and 14 leadership members to Turin. Team Canada competed in Snowshoeing, Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing, Figure Skating and Speed Skating.

Guided by its core values of respect and equality, the RCMP's involvement in these events has a profound and lasting impact on the Special Olympics community.

This community driven partnership allows officers to go beyond the line of duty, help to break down barriers and promote a deeper sense of belonging.