Polar Plungers raised over $150,000 for the Special Olympics

The Polar Plunge is the largest fundraising event for the Special Olympics. Over 600 polar plungers in Duluth helped raised over $150,000, to help support athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Ryan Temple, a Duluth Police Department Detective, and one of the first polar plungers this year shed talked about the event. “This is our 22nd anniversary polar bear plunge for Special Olympics. We’re out here supporting the special Olympic athletes of Minnesota. All of the funds raised stay locally here in Minnesota and us as law enforcement officers just enjoy doing this.” Temple said.

Temple also had some tips for polar plungers before they jump in the ice cold water. “This will probably be my 15th time plunging and I’m going to be one of the first individuals in the water this year. So go quick. Take as short of a time you can spend in the water, we have great heating tents, get back up to a warm tent, change in the dry clothes and enjoy the party.” Temple said.

Mike Starr, a long-time polar plunger, also shared his thoughts about the event. “Actually, today, it’s pretty nice out compared to last year. This is a nice day. Last year was five, my second coldest plunge in 22 years. It was cold. You just jump in the water and just walk out and take it slow and easy and nice.” Starr said.

However, there are always people who get cold feet for the polar plunge. Instead of being a polar plunger there are other ways you can help out with the event. “We’ve had a lot of people registered in the last couple of days because of the nice weather. So we’re excited to see them down here. We’re always looking for volunteers to help set up, tear down, to raise awareness for Special Olympics.” Temple said.

For more information about the Polar Plunge you can look here https://www.plungemn.org/events/duluth/.

For another story about the Polar Plunge you can look here https://www.wdio.com/lift-online/taking-the-duluth-polar-plunge/.