By Renee Lilley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Portage Graphic Leader A record-breaking number of participants braved the icy waters at Stride Place in recent days, raising thousands of dollars to help local athletes reach the national stage. The eighth annual Portage la Prairie Polar Plunge, held Feb. 28, saw 48 “plungers” leap into a customized dive tank. The event raised $18,500 for Special Olympics Manitoba, marking the highest participation rate in the event’s local history. “Special Olympics is an amazing cause that gets athletes involved in sport,” said Kristen Tompsett, staff sergeant with the Manitoba First Nations Police Service and a longtime event organizer. “This year is particularly important because the national games are in Alberta this August. We want to ensure as many athletes can go as possible.” The

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