Port Macquarie police take the Plunge for charity

ON Sunday, the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) and a group of dedicated supporters gathered in Westport Park to raise funds for local competitors at the Special Olympics.

The LETR is the world’s largest law enforcement charity. It works to raise awareness and money for the inspiring athletes of Special Olympics NSW & ACT.

Its Polar Plunge occurs globally each year and has been an important fundraising initiative in Australia for more than 20 years, with volunteers sponsored to jump into water during winter.

The Port Macquarie event was emceed by Councillor Nik Lipovac and raised approximately $15,000 for the cause.

Disability support worker Natalie Wholohan began volunteering as a Special Olympics team support worker for ten pin bowling last year.

“I felt honoured to be asked,” Ms Wholohan said.

“It is an awesome opportunity and I absolutely love doing it.

“Watching every athlete with a disability get out there and cheer each other on is amazing, and I’d love to see more support from the community for these types of events.”

During the event a torch was lit, and emergency services personnel and athletes took turns to carry it.

Port Macquarie fields a ten-pin bowling team and a basketball team, and players compete several times per year, both locally and interstate.

Funds raised go towards bus hire, accommodation, and meals when the teams travel.

The bowling team covers a broad spectrum of ages, from 18 to over 50, with a mix of males and females who have a range of disabilities.

In October they will travel to Melbourne for the Special Olympics Australia National Games, where they hope to be successful in proceeding to the World Games in Chile in 2027.

The team were delighted recently during training to receive a visit from the Governor of NSW Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC KC.

By Rachael THORPE