Media invitation:
What: Polar Plunge Christchurch; take part or donate: https://specialolympics.org.nz/
Where: New Brighton Beach Surf Lifesaving Club (Surf club is on Marine Parade between Lonsdale and Hawke Streets)
Why: To raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics athletes and programmes across New Zealand.
When: Saturday 2 August 2025, Plunge starts at 9am – check in any time after 8am.
Who: Athletes, coaches, families, Police, emergency services and anyone else over the age of 12
How: Register yourself or register a team. Choose a fun outfit or wear uniform, even a wetsuit - we won't judge!
Contact: Special Olympics: Liz Fitzgerald: events@specialolympics.org.nz or
Police: Inspector Rupert Friend: phone 0211911263
RSVP: Media Please RSVP your attendance for Saturday here: media@police.govt.nz
Special Olympics New Zealand is welcoming anyone who would like to take part in the Christchurch polar plunge. Police and other agencies will join Canterbury-based athletes on Saturday 2 August at 9am to brave the cold.
The fun and fundraising for New Zealand Special Olympics athletes will be held on the beach in front of the New Brighton Surf Club on Marine Parade, Christchurch.
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 Plunge in Christchurch.”
Inspector Rupert Friend, Director of Law Enforcement Torch Run New Zealand says, “Participants really enjoyed the Polar Plunge last Saturday in Wellington, and it was great to see such good team spirit and camaraderie. It was also a chance to mix with our counterparts from Wellington Free Ambulance, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and personnel from the Royal New Zealand Navy and members of the public who took part. Police have always been proud to support Special Olympics athletes through our communities with events like the Polar Plunge, The Flame of Hope, and the Special Olympic Games. We are thoroughly looking forward to the plunge taking place at New Brighton Beach on Saturday,” 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 weekend in Wellington we saw plungers raise over $18,000 for our cause, so this time we are freezin’ for a reason in Christchurch! 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 part in 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. Your support empowers individuals with intellectual and learning disabilities to experience the joy, pride, and connection that sport brings.
The Christchurch Polar Plunge takes place at New Brighton Beach on Saturday 2 August 2025 - please register or donate here: https://specialolympics.org.nz/
NB: All photos attached are from the Wellington Polar Plunge held last Saturday 26 July at Freyberg Beach, Oriental Bay.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
