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“Chief Matthew Perkins is pleased to share that the Lakeville Police Department hosted the local 2023 Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) Polar Plunge earlier this month.
The event was held in Lakeville on Saturday, March 11. Participants gathered at Clear Pond Park to take the plunge. A total of 87 participants from 13 teams each raised at least $100 to participate. In total, $18,846 was raised through the Lakeville Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Massachusetts.
The event was organized by Lakeville Police Sgt. Erik McNeice, who is a longtime supporter of the Special Olympics and the Law Enforcement Torch Run.
“We were proud to host this year’s Polar Plunge, and thank everyone who participated and helped raise money to go toward meaningful initiatives and programs for Special Olympics athletes in Massachusetts,” Chief Perkins said. “I’d also like to recognize Sgt. McNeice for his hard work and dedication to coordinating the event this year.”
The department would also like to thank the Lakeville Dunkin’ for their food and coffee donation, as well as area public safety partners — the Lakeville Fire Department and East Bridgewater Police Department — who also participated in the fundraiser.
About Special Olympics Massachusetts
Special Olympics Massachusetts provides year-round sports training and competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for all children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, prepare for entry into school and community programs, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community.
The Special Olympics Polar Plunge has participants jump into icy cold waters to help provide over 14,000 athletes with a a safe opportunity to participate in sports training and competition programs that help them live longer, happier, healthier lives. Every dollar raised directly supports year-round sports training and competition for athletes with intellectual disabilities in Massachusetts.
About The Law Enforcement Torch Run
The LETR for Special Olympics engages law enforcement worldwide championing acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities, starting first with their own communities. Over the years the Torch Run has evolved and now encompasses a variety of innovative fundraising platforms to include Plane Pull®, Polar Plunge®, Tip-A-Cop®, and more.”
