Around the state, brave Minnesotans are gearing up for the coldest moment of their lives, as they register for any of the 15 Polar Bear Plunge events coordinated by local law enforcement for the support of Special Olympics Minnesota.
Registration for the 2012 Polar Bear Plunge season is now open at at website www.plungemn.org . Duluth's Polar Bear Plunge will take place Saturday, Feb. 18 in Canal Park.
This year's first statewide plunge will take place Saturday, Jan. 28 in White Bear Lake.
Participants often plunge in teams of coworkers, friends or club members and raise money by asking for pledges. Individuals are also welcome to plunge. Each participant is required to raise at least $75.
Polar Bear Plunge fundraisers help Special Olympics Minnesota offer year-round sports training and competition to more than 7,100 children and adults with intellectual disabilities. In 2011, nearly 11,000 valiant individuals took the plunge to support Special Olympics Minnesota, together raising more than $2.2 million.
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Polar Bear Plunge events are organized by Minnesota law enforcement as part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run, the largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics in the world.
With a mission to raise funds for and awareness of the Special Olympics movement worldwide, law enforcement officers and personnel from around the United States, Canada, and more than 35 other nations carry the "Flame of Hope" in honor of Special Olympics athletes in their areas.
More than 1,200 law enforcement officers and personnel representing more than 75 agencies throughout Minnesota participated with the Torch Run initiative in 2011. The Torch Run is a running event where officers and athletes run the "Flame of Hope" to the celebration ceremonies of Special Olympics competitions.
For more information on the Polar Bear Plunge season or for a full listing of Polar Bear Plunge locations, visit www.plungemn.org .
To register for the event, visit the website or contact polarbearplunge@somn.org or (800) 783-7732.
Registration for the 2012 Polar Bear Plunge season is now open at www.plungemn . org. Duluth's Polar Bear Plunge will take place Saturday, Feb. 18 in Canal Park.
