"Start your new year off right by being BOLD and getting COLD" by participating in the 2024 Polar Plunge for Special Olympics this Saturday at Venue 313 in downtown Sault Ste. Marie, MI.
Polar Plunges are one of many annual Law Enforcement Torch Run events. The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics involves local law enforcement personnel who help raise funds and increase awareness of Special Olympics in their communities.
Kandi Wright is in charge of this year's plunge and is excited about the event.
"I am a part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run. I have been a member for just over two years. We are an organization that raises money through a variety of events all year to raise money for the Special Olympics. This is my first year planning this event and I am very excited for it. I got involved because I want to help raise awareness and promote inclusion for the Special Olympics. Want to help raise money to make all of this possible for them. Most of the events that I attend I always have athletes telling me thank you for what we do but they have no idea how much inspiration they are to me. Just makes me strive to do more for them," Wright said.
If you have never taken the plunge, you can join Wright jumping right in.
"I have actually not taken the Plunge before! This will be my first one. Right now, I'm thinking about what I will wear. With the water being so cold I want to be able to get out of the water quickly and get changed," Wright said.
Some participants dress up in bizarre, wacky outfits while others are more conservative and wear the usual swimwear. But no matter what you wear, it all is in good fun and for a great cause.
"Registration will be at 10 a.m., plunging at 11 a.m., and after the plunge, we will be having an after-plunge bash. Costumes are not needed but they are welcomed. We have six teams registered online as of Wednesday evening and two more that will be registering. Plus we have multiple people including Special Olympic athletes that have signed up just themselves and not on a designated team," added Wright.
Wright stresses that you do not have to be on a team to participate and take the plunge. Come by yourself, or with a friend or two. Make it a fun thing to do as part of your weekend.
After everyone gets warm and dry, there is more excitement to the event inside Venue 313.
"The after-plunge bash is open for everyone. If you don't plunge, the cost is $10 to get in. We will have Superior Catering doing chili, soup, sandwiches, and a hot cocoa bar. Paul Perry will be playing music that was donated by H&P Moving. And we will be having a 50/50, raffle, and silent auction. We have some really awesome items. The Green Bay Packers donated a football autographed by the whole team. Lions donated a mini helmet autographed by (Josh) Reynolds. A hockey puck signed by the Red Wings. Kewadin donated dinner and show tickets. Pere Marquette Lodge donated weekend stay at their lodge. Among a lot of other items," Wright continued.
All of the money raised goes to the Special Olympics to make it possible for the athletes to train and compete for free. Also helps promote inclusion.
