Cold for a cause: Plunge supports Special Olympics Kelowna

It was a mild day for the annual Special Olympics Kelowna Polar Plunge at Hot Sands Beach.

Leo Rutledge, event coordinator, said about 40 people jumped in Okanagan Lake on March 10 to fundraise for local athletes living with a disability.

"We're an organization that provides sporting opportunities for athletes with diverse abilities," Rutledge said, adding that the event also helps to raise awareness of the organization.

Rutledge got involved in the organization because of his youngest daughter, who was born with Down Syndrome. He said Cassidy participates in pretty much every sport and was one of the brave souls to join the Polar Plunge.

Kelowna has 185 registered athletes and offers 16 different sports, costing about $136,000 annually.

The Polar Plunge raised a little over $5,000 for Special Olympics Kelowna.