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Montrealers take on Verdun Polar Bear Plunge challenge for Special Olympics

On one of the coldest days of winter, some Montrealers decided to go for a swim.

More than 200 people took a dip in freezing water for the annual Polar Bear Plunge in Verdun.

The temperature at Saturday's event , -40 C with the windchill, was the coldest daytime high of this winter season according to Environment Canada.

For Lt. Jean-François Rousselle, the temperature was the last thing he wanted to think about.

"That's pretty much my mindset — not thinking about the cold and jump in. That's it," Rousselle said.

Participants didn't let the cold weather keep them away for a good time, with many jumping into the pool in groups and matching costumes.

For many, the challenge was simply worth the cause.

"[The] Special Olympics offers 17 different kind of sports across Quebec," said Marie-Josée Carroll, one of the event's co-ordinators.

"It's my fifth time. It's a such a great cause," said participant Anthony Dire.

Mr. Polar Bear

The event was particularly a breeze for one Montreal traffic officer whose friends call him "Mr. Polar Bear."

"When everybody just jump and get out, personally I stay there and I swim a little bit, so that's why they call me 'the polar bear,'" said Michel Descheneaux

At the finish line, the so-called polar bear was all smiles.

"It's not that bad."