A long plastic sheet, glistening with a fresh layer of suds, and water cold enough to steal your breath away were all it took to draw a crowd of thrill-seeking St. Clair College students willing to trade in their comfort for a cause.
The Slip n' Slide Launch Party took over the softball diamond at St. Clair College's Sports Park on Jan. 14, 2026, where participants braved the sub-zero temperatures to raise money for Special Olympics Ontario.
"From hosting the very first plunge to creating fun previews like today's Slip n' Slide, Saints Nation has shown what it means to dive in for a great cause," said Michael Silvaggi, President of St. Clair College. "This event is not just about icy water—it is about warming hearts. It is about teamwork, leadership, and showing that when we come together, we can make a real difference for athletes who inspire us every day."
Students took turns sliding across a soaking wet sheet while students in the Pre-Service Firefighter program hosed them down from all angles.
The event is a precursor to the 12th Annual Windsor-Essex Polar Plunge in support of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. Since the inception of the event, more than $500,000 has been raised to directly benefit Special Olympics Ontario.
"Out of all the events that I have the pleasure to attend, this one is special and is like no other," said Chief Jason Crowley of the Windsor Police Service. "Not only is the annual Polar Plunge an amazing opportunity for me to take an icy winter dip, but it is an event where community members, students, sports teams and first responders get together and do something fun that also supports a great cause."
In keeping this tradition alive, the Slip n' Slide Launch Party featured local first responders from Windsor Police Service, OPP, Correctional Services, Canada Border Services Agency, LaSalle Police Service, Essex Windsor EMS, Windsor Fire and Rescue, College administration and staff, the Student Representative Council, Saints Student Athletics Association, Alumni as well as Saints teams and clubs.
Students in the Protection, Security & Investigation/Police Foundations Society at St. Clair College provided dozens of volunteers to help set up for the Slip n' Slide event, including first-year Protection, Security and Investigation student Jonah McMillan, who also took part in the slide.
"The adrenaline – it hits you right away, and then you don't even realize it's cold until you're out of it," McMillan said. "Everyone pitches in, it's a good community coming out to help. This is our way of giving back to the Windosr-Essex area, and every little bit helps."
Prior to the main event, representatives from St. Clair College Alumni, the Student Representative Council and Saints Student Athletic Association presented cheques totaling $13,500, which will go towards this year's grand total.
"Giving funds towards this event year after year gives St. Clair Alumni great pride because it creates opportunity for members of our community who deserve our support," said Adam Ibrahim, a St. Clair Alumni who presented a cheque for $10,000. "With this funding, these Special Olympics athletes don't just get to compete – they build confidence and camaraderie, which will stick with them for the rest of their lives."
The Student Representative Council (SRC) and Saints Student Athletic Association (SSAA) combined to present a cheque for $3,500.
"We're happy to once again contribute to this great cause," said George Karatzias, President of SSAA. "Athletics is something that brings people from all walks of life together and for that reason, we're glad to keep this tradition of giving alive."
"We at the SRC always love to participate in the Slip n' Slide and Polar Plunge and we're happy to support this cause once again," said Pratham Singh Benipal, President of the SRC. "We are looking forward to the main event in February, where student volunteers and SRC leadership will be out in full force to help make the event a huge success."
A special thanks goes out to the Protection, Security & Investigation/Police Foundations Society at St. Clair College for providing dozens of volunteers for the Slip n' Slide event.
The 12th annual Windsor-Essex Polar Plunge in support of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is set to take place at the downtown Windsor International Aquatic and Training Centre on Feb. 27, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m.
To sign up, follow this link.
