Cst. Scott Edwards has been involved with Special O since high school and says taking on more involvement with the organization as a police officer was a natural fit.

For the past number of years, Morden Police has organized fundraisers including the Morden Polar Plunge and Law Enforcement Torch Run. Edwards has been instrumental in the Torch Run for the last five years and is currently the Secretary on the Provincial Executive Committee for Special Olympics Manitoba. He notes the last three Polar Plunge events have raised over $70,000 alone.

"This region has really supported the events and it's obviously helping assist our central region athletes because a lot of the funds stay local."

Being involved with Special O for many years, he's seen how the support from law enforcement goes a long way. In Manitoba, there are over 1,800 athletes from across the Province who participate in 18 different sports.

"These are people who don't always have the means to get involved in extracurriculars," he explains. "Law enforcement and Special O has been a partnership for a long time and it's important to continue it down here as well."

The 2019 Polar Plunge takes place February 16 at the Access Event Centre. To take part, visit www.plungemanitoba.com.