MUNISING, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Michigan is taking place Saturday, February 11th in Munising.
The yearly event is a part of a series of Polar Plunges that happen around the state to help fund the Special Olympics and their athletes in Michigan. Each location tries to reach a goal, with the state wide goal of raising $1.2 million dollars.
“It’s one of the biggest fundraisers that we have throughout the state,” said Carla White, one of the organizers of the Polar Plunge and the Law Enforcement Torch Run. “There’s 25 Plunges held around the state, and thousand of people show up to raise money for the Special Olympics Michigan.”
These winter events are a good time for people to help raise funds for Special Olympics Michigan athletes and events, which take place throughout the year.
“All of the money goes to the Special Olympic athletes so they can compete in the sports that they love, at no cost to them or their families,” White said. “The more money that we raise, the more athletes that can get involved in the state games. There’s summer games, winter games, fall games. We actually have international games in Berlin this year, and we’re sending some athletes from Michigan, so the more money we raise, the more athletes we can send.”
There will also be a Polar Plunge in Marquette County, at the Up North Lodge on March 18th. One new feature happening at the Marquette County Plunge is something called “Duck the Plunge.” Anyone that may be too nervous or scared to actually plunge themselves into the pool of water can buy a duck to be placed in the pool. The last plunger will pull one duck out of the water, and whoever bought that duck will receive 50% of the proceeds raised from the “Duck the Plunge” sales.
The plunge in Munising is being held at the East Channel Brewing Company, where a pool will be brought in and filled with freezing cold water for participants to make the plunge.
Check-ins for the Polar Plunge in Munising start at 1 p.m. Anyone interested in registering can click here, or you can register before the event starts.
