Daring souls get ready to take plunge in Alexandria

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“Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

Inspired by the words of the Special Olympics athlete oath, hundreds of daring souls in Alexandria are registered and ready to take the Polar Bear Plunge, presented by Minnesota law enforcement for the benefit of Special Olympics Minnesota, by jumping into icy waters at the Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center.

This annual event supports more than 7,100 Special Olympics Minnesota athletes, as they train, compete and work together year-round, to grow as athletes and members of their communities.

This year, Alexandria’s plunge will be at the Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center and will begin at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Februray 26. Pre-plunge check-in will occur at Elks Lodge on Saturday, February 25 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Check-in on the day of the plunge will be at the plunge site from 10:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. In 2011, 306 people took the plunge in Alexandria, and raised more than $48,000 in support of Special Olympics Minnesota.

The plunge day experience is a memorable one, to be sure. Plungers are encouraged to wear original, outrageous and amusing costumes.

After plunging, participants run directly from the freezing lake to heated changing tents, where they thaw out, warm up and lend support to fellow plungers.

Prior to the pre-plunge check-in, a free-will donation hog roast will be held at Elks Lodge beginning at 5 p.m. All of the proceeds raised at the hog roast will go toward Special Olympics Minnesota.

Minnesota law enforcement presents the Polar Bear Plunge as part of the year-round Law Enforcement Torch Run events benefitting Special Olympics Minnesota. Each year, they lend their time, energy and enthusiasm to host a variety of fundraising events, which, in 2011, raised almost $2.4 million for inspiring Special Olympics Minnesota athletes.

Special Olympics Minnesota offers children and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round sports training and competition. Through Special Olympics Minnesota’s athletic, health and leadership programs, people with intellectual disabilities transform themselves, their communities and the world.

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