Jayson Stubitsch, a 24-year-old Special Olympics athlete, is enduring the cold once again, jumping into his fifth Polar Plunge in support of Special Olympics Alberta on Saturday, Feb 21.
The Polar Plunge fundraiser, organized by Special Olympics Alberta and the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR), will take place at the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame starting at 11 a.m.
Rather than jumping into the Red Deer River, participants plunge into a bin filled with freezing water pumped directly from a fire hydrant.
Stubitsch has been paired with LETR member Korey Cleland for three years, with the duo dressing up in themed costumes to brave the cold together. Stubitsch first got involved as a volunteer and has been taking the plunge since he was 19.
Jayson Stubitsch (left) and LETR member Korey Cleland (right) have done the plunge together for the past three years.“LETR really means a lot to me because they always show up for Special Olympics athletes and support us in so many ways,” Stubitsch said in a statement.
Over the years, Stubitsch has dressed as characters including Batman and Barney Rubble. This year, he’s part of the Mutant Turtles team and will dress up as Raphael.
Stubitsch has exceeded his fundraising goal of $1000, meaning his mother Nicole will take the plunge with him. His father will also brave the cold as the Mutant Turtles team raised over $2300.
Jayson Stubitsch will be participating in his fifth Polar Plunge on Saturday, Feb 21.Stubitsch says that all funds raised support Special Olympics Alberta athletes in multiple ways.
“The money we raise helps pay for our sports programs, equipment and travel,” he explained.
Stubitsch is also an athletic champion, having won a gold medal in powerlifting at Special Olympics Alberta, just nine weeks after undergoing total knee reconstruction surgery. Competing a push-pull, he posted a 275-pound deadlift and a 170-pound bench press.
Jayson Stubitsch participates in a Special Olympics event in Calgary.“Winning the gold medal at Special Olympics Alberta was an incredible surprise and something I’m really proud of,” he said.
Supporters can donate through Stubitsch’s fundraising page or cheer on him and the Mutant Turtles team during the Law Enforcement Torch Run on Saturday Feb 21, at the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame.
** With all photos courtesy of Nicole Sather.
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