Plungers , LPS K9 make a splash for the Special Olympics

By Lethbridge Herald on February 10, 2026.

HERALD PHOTO BY JOE MANIO PSD Macho, the first police dog to take part in the Lethbridge Polar Plunge, hesitated at the edge of the ice tank before finally being gently "assisted" in by his partner, Constable Braylon Hyggen, completing the canine’s inaugural splash for the team.

By Joe Manio

Lethbridge Herad

Festival Square hosted the annual chilly fundraiser with plungers in costumes, corporate teams, and even a hesitant police dog braving a five-foot-deep ice tank. As the countdown ticked-down to zero Saturday, participants readied themselves with nervous laughter and confident grins as the tank dared them to jump.

The 2026 Polar Plunge arrived during an unseasonably warm spell. With temperatures feeling more like early spring than mid-winter the announcer joked that if Lethbridge’s plunge wasn’t the first of the season, it might just be the warmest in Alberta.

Before the plunging began, Lethbridge Police Chief (LPS) Shahin Mehdizadeh thanked everyone for coming, especially members of various LPS departments. His message emphasized community support and camaraderie, setting a cheerful tone for the day’s icy antics.

Mayor Blaine Hyggen, participating in his 13th Plunge, echoed the importance of LPS joining community events. 

“Community events are so important for the Police Service,” he said. “They give officers a chance to be part of the community — not in that policing habit, but just connecting with people. And they do it in uniform, whether visiting schools, playing basketball, or supporting events like this.”

Hyggen also highlighted his brother, LPS Constable Braylon Hyggen, for his involvement with the Special Olympics. 

“He’s coached basketball and other sports, locally and nationally. It’s amazing the work that coaches and volunteers do with the Special Olympics in Lethbridge and the surrounding area,” he said.

The roughly five feet deep ice water tank delivered an immediate shock upon entry. Veteran plungers leapt with confidence, first-timers lingered nervously, and teams — from The Sub-Zero Heroes to corporate squads — added camaraderie and chaos. 

Some wore costumes, from Pokémon to superheroes, turning the tank into part fundraiser, part cosplay convention.

Despite an ambient 9 C outside, the ice bath temperature was in the 0–5 C range. Several participants commented the tank felt harsher than previous years at Henderson Lake — a reminder that ice ignores weather, optimism, and bravado.

The annual event raises money for Special Olympics Alberta and drew a mix of local officials, athletes, corporate officials…plus a first this year in Police Service Dog (PSD) Macho who was encouraged to take one (plunge) for the team. The key word: encouraged.

Macho hesitated at the edge despite his partner repeatedly throwing Macho’s favorite toy into the tank. Finally, the K9 was finally given a gentle “assist” into the icy drink. Many commented Macho was the “smart one” and Mayor Hyggen praised Macho and the other PSDs in LPS.

“I’ve got incredible respect for the work that our canines do,” he said. “They’re sworn officers, and each time one retires it really hits you — they’ve served our community. And for some nice treats and their favorite toys, that’s pretty much all they ask for.”

The 2025 Polar Plunge was the last at Henderson Lake, where plungers jumped from the park dock there. This year’s tank removed the unknowns but delivered a sharper, more immediate cold. At least the lake’s “ick factor” was officially retired.

“We had approximately 102 plunge participants and raised approximately $31,435,” said Special Olympics Program Coordinator Stephanie Gulley.

“In changing the location from Henderson Lake to Festival Square, we had hopes that it would bring more walk-in participants and make it more of a community festival type event; and it truly surpassed our expectations. This year seemed to have more energy and excitement, especially with the warmer weather,” she said.

Funds raised through the Alberta Polar Plunge series support more than 3,000 Special Olympics Alberta athletes, helping fund year-round training, travel, competitions, leadership opportunities, and health initiatives. 

Gulley said the programs give athletes opportunities to build confidence, friendships, and skills that extend far beyond sport, making every icy plunge worth the momentary discomfort.

“It’s about so much more than the cold — it’s about the lasting impact we get to make in the lives of our athletes every single day.”