Part of the University of Guelph’s Johnston Green became an ice pond of sorts Feb. 6 for a Polar Plunge charity event.

The Guelph Police Service hosted the event to raise money for athletes attending the 2016 Special Olympics provincial spring games, coming to Guelph in May.

Nearly 120 people participated in the polar plunge, including U of G administrators Daniel Atlin, vice-president (external), and Brenda Whiteside, associate vice-president (student affairs), as well as faculty, staff and students.They helped raise more than $30,000.

Participants paid a registration fee and collected donations, and then plunged themselves into a tub of icy water. The event occurred along with the Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run.

Guelph Police Services is organizing the 2016 Special Olympics in partnership with the City of Guelph and U of G.

U of G will host more than 900 athletes and coaches from across the province, as well as local volunteers and thousands of supporters. This will be the largest provincial spring games ever for the Special Olympics.

Two of the five athletic competitions (swimming and power-lifting) will take place on campus.

The Special Olympics provide competitive opportunities for athletes ages eight and older — some competitors are more than 70 years old — with intellectual disabilities, cognitive delays or developmental disabilities.