Registration open for polar plunge

Brave souls are gearing up for the coldest moment in their lives as they register for the 2011 Alexandria Polar Bear Plunge event, coordinated by local law enforcement in support of Special Olympics Minnesota.

Registration is now open at www.plungemn.org for the plunge, which will be held Saturday, February 26 at Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center.

Polar Bear Plunge fundraisers help Special Olympics Minnesota offer year-round sports training and competition to more than 6,800 children and adults with intellectual disabilities. The 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.

The Torch Run is a running event in which officers and athletes run the “Flame of Hope” to the celebration ceremonies of Special Olympics competitions. The Torch Run is an initiative encompassing a variety of fundraisers, including the Polar Bear Plunge.

At last year’s Alexandria plunge, 276 took the cold dive, with more than $40,000 raised for Special Olympics.

Participants often plunge in teams of coworkers, friends or club members and raise money by asking for pledges. Each participant must raise at least $75. For information on the Polar Bear Plunge or to register, visit www.plungemn.org, e-mail polarbearplunge@somn.org or call 1-800-783-7732.

Tags: polar plunge, special olympics, entertainment, event, variety