BELLEVILLE, ON – The Belleville Police Service is proud to celebrate the success of the 2026 Belleville Polar Plunge. On April 10 at the Herchimer Boat Launch, brave participants plunged into the icy waters of the Bay of Quinte, raising $23,900 to support local Special Olympics athletes.

The event’s success is a reflection of the incredible efforts of everyone involved. A special thank you goes out to:

• Plungers who braved the freezing waters
• Community organization, businesses and teams for bringing incredible energy and creativity with their costumes
• Volunteers who kept the day running smoothly
• Spectators who cheered and encouraged participants throughout the day
• Belleville Fire and Emergency Services for ensuring the safety of all participants

The dedication of the entire community made this year’s Polar Plunge a truly unforgettable celebration, all #FreezinForAReason.

“This event is a shining example of what makes Belleville special,” said Deputy Chief Sheri Meeks. “It takes more than courage to take the plunge. It takes a whole community coming together. Every person who plunged, donated, cheered, or volunteered made this event a true success.”

Funds raised will directly support programs for Special Olympics athletes across the province, funding essential programming and events for these athletes. The community’s support makes events like this possible, and the Belleville Police Service looks forward to building on this momentum in the years ahead.

See how the Polar Plunge made an impact across Ontario here: https://polarplunge.ca/