It was another bone-chilling success New Year’s Day when the Williams Lake Rustlers Rugby Football Club kicked off the 13th year of the millenium with its 13th annual Polar Bear Swim.
A total of 51 swimmers leapt in the frigid 2 C waters of Williams Lake, while many more spectators contributed to help raise $1,594 for youth and junior rugby programs in Williams Lake through donations and pledges.
Prizes were awarded for various feats including best costume, oldest swimmer and youngest swimmer. This year’s oldest swimmers were Yvonne Veerkamp and Barb Chelsea while the youngest swimmers were Sean Marshall and Jacob Schults, both 8.
Nine jumpers took the plunge from Williams Lake Secondary School, while 11 jumpers participated from Columneetza Secondary School.
Additionally, the Williams Lake Boy Scouts particpated in the swim..
Also this year five Australians and two South Africans took part.
“We would like to thank all those involved with the setup, especially Brad Bulow, who organized the event this year and all the local sponsors including Save-On Foods, The Bean Counter, The Gecko Tree, Red Shred’s Bike and Board Shed,” said Todd Pritchard, CSS rugby coach and WLRRFC member.
“And a special thanks to the Judd family, who once again supplied the portable change rooms that gave our swimmers a place to warm up.”
