Police, athletes and community teams raised more than $23,500 for Special Olympics Australia through the fourth annual Chermside Polar Plunge, making the 2026 fundraiser the event’s most successful to date.
Chermside Polar Plunge Draws Broad Participation
The fundraiser was held at Chermside pool on Sunday, 12 July, with participants diving into winter water made colder by additional bags of ice.
The event formed part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, an international initiative that raises funds and awareness for Special Olympics athletes living with intellectual disabilities. Queensland Police Service officers and recruits took part alongside Australian Federal Police personnel, members of the Pacific Police Support Group, athletes and community teams.
Sergeant Brett Price, founder and president of Law Enforcement Torch Run Queensland, said the event was intended to support Special Olympics athletes, raise funds and strengthen connections between police and the community.
The AFP’s Northern Command joined QPS for the plunge, with participants drawn from sworn and professional roles. They included members of the executive team, ACCCE, CACTF and K9, as well as Protective Service Officer recruits and trainers.
Police officers from across the Pacific also participated through the Pacific Police Support Group. The group brings officers from across the Pacific to live and train in Brisbane.
Among those entering the water were Sergeant Courtney Russell and her son Slade, a Special Olympics athlete and basketballer. Community teams also participated in the plunge.
Uniforms and Television-Inspired Costumes
Some AFP personnel completed the challenge in uniform, while others wore costumes based on Detective Andy Sipowicz from the television series NYPD Blue. Their outfits featured short-sleeved shirts, ties and fake moustaches.
Queensland Police recruits were also among those who entered the ice-cooled pool during the event.
Funds Support Training and Competition
The Chermside Polar Plunge raised more than $23,500 on the day. The total made the fourth annual event the most successful edition held so far.
The money will help Special Olympics athletes access training and competition opportunities as they pursue their sporting goals. Special Olympics Australia forms part of a global movement that uses sport to promote inclusion for people with intellectual disability and/or autism.
The fundraiser also marked 100 days until the start of the Special Olympics Australia National Games in Melbourne.
Published 21-July-2026
