LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — January through March marks the official Polar Plunge Season in Arkansas.This premiere crazy and cold fundraising event is hosted by Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Arkansas.
Polar Plunge is a fundraiser in which individuals and teams take the plunge into various bodies of freezing water raise money and awareness for Special Olympics Arkansas athletes.
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Saturday, Feb. 2, was a busy day with four communities jumping in on the fun. Polar Plunges took place in Blytheville, Russellville, Fort Smith, and Cabot hosting over thirty teams and one hundred individuals. The weekend celebrated a total of $34,000 raised.
“Polar Plunge is a unique way to show your support of Special Olympics athletes and their true ability," Amanda Whitley said, coordinator of Law Enforcement Torch Run and Special Events for Special Olympics Arkansas. "Each team and individual plans their costume for months, raises funds every way they can, and arrives on plunge day to celebrate our athletes. You can truly feel the excitement in the air. We are thrilled to host an event that has the power to bring communities together in such a positive and uplifting way.”
The entire season hosts twenty five polar plunge events across the state bringing in over $200,000. Officers bring communities together to brave the cold in an effort to raise money and awareness for Special Olympics Arkansas athletes.
Monies raised benefit year-round sports competition and health programming for people with intellectual disabilities.