In pictures: Plunging into frozen Great Slave Lake for charity

Yellowknifers hurling themselves into a hole in Great Slave Lake have raised tens of thousands of dollars for Special Olympics NWT.

The fundraiser took over the Arctic Duchess cold plunge and sauna facility in Yellowknife Bay on the afternoon of Sunday, March 23.

Fifty-five people dove into a pool of ice-cold water cut from the frozen bay, though temperatures of around -7C with virtually no wind – mild in comparison to recent weeks – helped take the edge off the dip.

Cpl April Gavel of NWT RCMP gained the most height on entry during the 2025 Polar Plunge. Photo: Val Pond Photography

Many contenders dressed up for the event. Photo: Val Pond Photography

Together, they raised $32,990 for Special Olympics NWT, which supports 53 athletes through a network of 46 volunteers, a volunteer board and two part-time staff members.

“That covers our facility costs for a year, just about. So that’s absolutely fabulous. We rely on this,” said Sandra Turner, Special Olympics NWT’s executive director.

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Plungers must sign a waiver before taking what, for most people, was the briefest of dips in some of the coldest water imaginable. Arctic Response provided first aid at the site in case it was needed.

Participants wait in a warming tent before being called forward. Such was the speed with which dippers plunged into and raced back out of the pool that most of Sunday’s event ran well ahead of schedule.

Members of Risk Control, a security company, took part in the plunge. Photo: Val Pond Photography

The first thing most people do is reach for a towel on exiting the pool. Photo: Val Pond Photography

Only one or two people took the time to thoroughly immerse themselves for five seconds or more. A few others produced spectacular cannonball entries. Most entrants tentatively stuck a foot in, briefly dipped their head under and swiftly clambered to safety and (relative) warmth.

One pair of glasses was declared lost when it slipped into the icy depths early in the event.

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Donations are still being accepted until Wednesday via CrowdChange.

As of Sunday afternoon, Clark Builders’ “Ice Breakers” team had raised the most of any team this year at nearly $8,000, followed by the RCMP dispatch team – dubbed “Headset Heroes” – who raised $5,660.

Most people kept hold of their headwear. Only one pair of glasses escaped into the lake. Photo: Val Pond Photography

Members of the Headset Heroes before their plunge. Photo: Val Pond Photography

The event is run as a collaboration between Special Olympics NWT and the Law Enforcement Torch Run, which has supported Special Olympics Canada since 1987. Other sponsors included the Arctic Duchess, Tim Hortons, Val Pond Photography, The Explorer Hotel and Yellowknife Racquet Club.

The individual who raised the most funds as of Sunday afternoon was Michael Mudry, at $2,885.

Turner said she was “just so pleased” with the turnout at the 2025 event, and pointed to the success of NWT speed skater Joshua Boudreau at this month’s Special Olympics World Winter Games in Italy as an example of what the funds raised will support.

Arctic Duchess's Jake Olson, left, spectators and participants assemble at the start of the event. Photo: Val Pond Photography — Arctic Duchess’s Jake Olson, left, spectators and participants assemble at the start of the event. Photo: Val Pond Photography

Boudreau won two silver medals and a bronze at the event in Turin, where he represented Team Canada.

“We’re on a bit of a growth trend right now and I’m really pleased to say that,” said Turner, who paid her own way to accompany Boudreau to Italy.

“It was really exciting,” she said.

“I’m drinking the Kool-Aid now after being there. I really wanted to get the experience and it’s something everybody needs to do because, once you’ve experienced that and seen the athletes and felt the energy, it’s absolutely amazing.”