COON RAPIDS, Minn. – (March 5, 2015) – Anoka County played host to one of several Polar Plunges that happen every winter across the state.
This is an event to raise money for Special Olympics Minnesota. “There are so many more individuals with intellectual disabilities here in the state of Minn. that we’re not reaching and all the money that’s raised will go to be able to reach out to new school programs and communities that we’re not currently in,” said Special Olympics development associate Molly Swanson.
For a minimum donation of $75 to Special Olympics Minnesota anyone can enjoy the experience of an icy lake while supporting an important organization. From January through March there are 20 opportunities to take the plunge across the state.
There are many types of participants from costumed coordinated groups to local public service members showing their support.
The Polar Plunge is presented by Minnesota law enforcement. This year Anoka County Sheriff James Stuart is kicked off the Anoka County Plunge on Crooked Lake by jumping into the frigid water.
“I think as the sheriff of the county, one of the consistent messages I’ve tried to present to our team, it’s our job to make a positive impact in our community. This is just one more way for our team to come together as ambassadors and say we want to be a part of a positive change and what greater organization than Special Olympics to partner with,” said Stuart.
“As a representative of the community we’re here to always support and defend and protect our citizens and I think a big part of that is being a member of the community and this is just one more way we can step out and say we are a part of the community, we want to be part of that positive change. We’re excited to be here and hopefully it’ll continue to draw more and more people as the event gets larger every year,” said Stuart.
This year’s Anoka County Polar Plunge featured 1,050 participants and raised over $200,000. It is an event that continues to grow as 300 more plunged this year than in 2014.
It is the variety of people from all walks of life whether directly impacted or not that make this event work so well. “I go every year with my brother, comes from Luck, Wis. He brings his physics class here and I decided to join along. It’s for a good cause, that’s for sure and it’s fun to do as a group, the camaraderie but mainly for the cause,” said Murphy.
“It’s just a ton of fun. Teams get really into costumes and they plan a whole day around it going to lunch before or after and making a party out of it,” said Swanson.
Murphy’s duck costume was a last minute creation. “Because my brother teaches at Luck, Wisconsin High School the kids just wanted to call themselves, their team the Lucky Duckies and so I decided last night at 5:30 p.m. to make this costume,” said Murphy.
Despite any reservations about jumping into freezing water, The Polar Plunge was a success as the money raised for Special Olympics Minnesota was well worth overcoming any fear.
Related Links:
Special Olympics Minnesota
Polar Plunge
