York Regional Police proud to support the Special Olympics mission in 2023 - York Regional Police

Supporting Special Olympics for over 30 Years

York Regional Police added to its strong legacy of support for Special Olympics Ontario in 2023.

For more than 30 years, YRP has backed Special Olympics Ontario (SOO) through a variety of events, including the 10^th annual Polar Plunge and the annual Torch Run, which were both tremendously successful again in 2023.

Members of the Marine Unit suit up to maintain a safe operation at the annual Polar Plunge event.

These events not only help support the Special Olympics financially, but they celebrate the achievements of individuals with intellectual disabilities who face barriers in their daily lives.

The more than $200,000 raised by YRP and community members who have jumped into frigid water over the past decade allows athletes the opportunity to participate in sport, while belonging to a team and developing physical and social skills in a competitive, yet fun, setting.

Dozens of York Regional Police teams, including members of the Emergency Response Unit, join community members and Special Olympics athletes for the plunge.

“The 2023 event was the biggest event yet. We had over 170 plungers come to the event and we raised more than $40,000 in support of our incredible athletes at Special Olympics Ontario,” said Deputy Chief Kevin McCloskey.

30+ Years

of supporting Special Olympics Ontario

$200,000+

raised by YRP and community members

170

plungers raised over $40,000 in support of the event

The contributions of YRP members like Constable Dan Banks don’t stop with money. Constable Banks also donates his time to coach both basketball and softball for SOO.

The annual Torch Run, which has been renamed locally as the Race for Plunkett, has raised more than $300,000 on behalf of Special Olympics.

The race’s namesake, Detective Constable Rob Plunkett, was killed in the line of duty in 2007 while doing surveillance for an undercover operation.

Every summer a team of Special Olympics athletes lead runners and walkers along the Newmarket Riverwalk Commons toward the starting line for the Race for Plunkett.

A 22-year veteran, Detective Constable Plunkett was one of the service’s first and biggest advocates for Special Olympics. He was heavily involved in the Law Enforcement Torch Run for more than 15 years.

Detective Constable Plunkett served as the Chairman of the 2000 Special Olympics Ontario Provincial Games and the memorial golf tournament in his name has raised more than $100,000 for Special Olympics over the years.

The passion and dedication of Detective Constable Plunkett to this cause is at the root of why YRP will continue to host events for Special Olympics athletes, including pep rallies to send them off to big events while also hosting the athletes for tours of YRP’s training branch.