Media invitation
What: Polar Plunge Wellington, take part or donate: https://specialolympics.org.nz/
Where: Freyberg Beach, Oriental Bay, Wellington
Why: To raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics athletes and programmes across New Zealand.
When: Saturday 26 July 2025, 9am
Who: Special Olympics athletes, coaches, families, Police, and other emergency services and anyone else over the age of 12
Contact: Special Olympics contact: Liz Fitzgerald, events@specialolympics.org.nz and or Police contact: Inspector Rupert Friend phone 0211911263
RSVP: Media to confirm attendance to media@police.govt.nz
Special Olympics New Zealand is welcoming anyone who would like to take part in a polar plunge. Police and other agencies will join Wellington athletes on Saturday 26 July at 9am to take part.
The fun and fundraising for New Zealand Special Olympics athletes will be held at Freyberg Beach, Oriental Bay.
Patron for the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) New Zealand, Commissioner of Police Richard Chambers is sorry to be missing the events due to work commitments, however says “Taking part in these events and lending our support is about helping a community whose athletes show hope, courage, and inspiration. As the patron for LETR New Zealand, I encourage everyone to participate in local events, including the LETR Final Leg for the National Summer Games in December and the Polar Plunges in Wellington and a week later in Christchurch.”
Inspector Rupert Friend, Director of Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) New Zealand says, “Participants really enjoy the plunge – it’s great fun, good for building team spirit and camaraderie and it’s a chance to mix with our counterparts from partner agencies who join us.”
Police have always been proud to support athletes through our communities with events like the Polar Plunge, The Flame of Hope, and the Special Olympic Games. This is not the only New Zealand polar plunge event – The South Island won’t miss out, with a plunge taking place at New Brighton Beach on Saturday 2 August at 9am. The Wellington plunge has become a fixture on the calendar, but this is a first Special Olympics Polar Plunge for Christchurch. “We didn’t see why Wellingtonians should have all the fun,” says Rupert.
Chief Executive from Special Olympics New Zealand Fran Scholey says, “The support of the New Zealand Police is hugely valued and helps the Special Olympic Programme continue to provide opportunities for an inclusive New Zealand. “Last year in Wellington we saw 187 plungers raise over $27,000 for this worthy cause, so again we are freezin’ for a reason! Get a team together now and register and let’s see if we can beat the total from last year.
“Thanks to the incredible generosity of those taking the Polar Plunge, our Special Olympics athletes are being given life-changing opportunities. Your support empowers individuals with intellectual and learning disabilities to experience the joy, pride, and connection that sport brings. Together, we're creating a more inclusive and inspiring future, one plunge at a time,” says Fran.
The addition of the Christchurch Polar Plunge is part of raising awareness of the National Summer Games being held in the city in December where it is expected 1200 athletes will take part, in nine different sports across five days.
Those games will also feature an LETR Final Leg, with complementary runs in the North and South Islands to maximise opportunities for Police staff to take part.
The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) engages law enforcement worldwide to champion acceptance and inclusion for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID), starting with their local communities. Public support empowers individuals with intellectual and learning disabilities to experience the joy, pride, and connection that sport brings.
Wellington Polar Plunge takes place at Freyberg Beach, Oriental Bay on Saturday 26 July 2025
Christchurch Polar Plunge takes place at New Brighton Beach on Saturday 2 August 2025
You can register or donate for both events here: https://specialolympics.org.nz/
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
