Register Online for Polar Plunge

Special Olympics Michigan is seeking brave souls to plunge into icy water during the 2012 Polar Plunge series to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Michigan athletes.

Plungers collect donations for Special Olympics Michigan, sport zany costumes and of course, take the plunge into the frigid winter water.

There are 26 Polar Plunges scheduled across the state this season including events in Marquette and Sault Ste. Marie. The season kicks off with the first three of 26 plunges on Saturday, Jan. 21.

Online registration is available at www.somi.org. Registration is also available at www.firstgiving.com/polarplunge. Anyone can take part in the plunge by raising or paying a minimum donation of $75. Donations can be raised by collecting pledges from friends, family, neighbors, coworkers, etc. On-site registration will be available at each plunge as well, followed by a parade of costumes, the plunge, a post-plunge party and awards ceremony.

All plungers who raise the $75 minimum will receive an official 2012 Polar Plunge T-shirt and are eligible for other incentive prizes, including a Polar Plunge blanket, Polar Plunge sweatshirt, Polar Plunge jacket and Polar Plunge duffel bag. All incentive prizes are redeemable online. Plungers also compete for the Golden Plunger Award, which honors the plunger with the most creative costume or best jump into the water.

Individuals who do not want to plunge can also collect donations to receive incentive prizes with the “Too Chicken to Plunge” logo and attend the post-plunge party.

The Polar Plunge is made possible by the Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LERT) presented by Sam’s Club. LETR is a group of police officers and corrections personnel committed year-round to raising funds and awareness for Special Olympics Michigan athletes. LETR is sponsored by Sam’s Club. Proceeds from the Polar Plunge support the year-round sports training and athletic competition for 20,679 children and adults with intellectual disabilities who live in Michigan.

For more information on the Law Enforcement Torch Run® Polar Plunge or Special Olympics Michigan, visit www.somi.org or call (800) 644-6404.

The Sault Ste. Marie Polar Plunge starts with registration February 18 at 9 a.m. at Zims. The plunge is at 10 a.m. at Rotary Park and post plunge party and awards immediately following at 11:30 a.m. at Zims.

March 5 is the date for the Marquette Polar Plunge. A location has not been determined.