Thompson’s second Polar Plunge is coming to Paint Lake on February 7th.

This fund raiser for Special Olympics Manitoba is held in conjunction with the Law Enforcement Torch run, with money raised supporting athletes in their training and travel to competitions.

Melissa Suggitt, the Director of Marketing and Operations for Special Olympics Manitoba shares the benefits of sports for those with intellectual disabilities.

“Our athletes compared to peers with an intellectual disability who do not participate are 49 percent less likely to suffer from things like depression or anxiety. They have two and a half years on average longer life spans and are 15 percent less likely to develop diabetes.”

To participate in this year’s Polar Plunge go to specialolympics.mb.ca.

For more details, tune in to Thompson Today this afternoon at 12:40 and 5:10.