Your adventure your way with Special Olympics Wisconsin

Registration is now open for the 2021 Polar Plunge presented by the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics Wisconsin. One of Wisconsin’s premier winter experiences for more than 20 years now, this year’s event will look a little different to help ensure safety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Instead of the beloved annual event where fans plunge into freezing lakes and pools to raise money for the athletes of Special Olympics Wisconsin, this year’s version will be a “Choose Your Own Adventure” theme that lets supporters determine exactly how they participate.

If you crave an in-person experience, you can choose a Great Outdoors option that offers sledding, tubing or even snowshoeing at eight locations around the state, including such exciting locations as Ariens Hill at Titletown in Green Bay or The Mountain Top at Grand Geneva in Lake Geneva. Great Outdoors experiences may vary by location.

“This year we are happy to announce a new way to plunge. Take a thrill ride down a hill in a sled, toboggan, or tube,” said LETR state director and Waukesha police specialist Niki Nelson. “The LETR in partnership with Special Olympics Wisconsin have decided to change things up a bit to support the athletes Special Olympics athletes across Wisconsin while maintaining social distancing in this ever-changing time.”

If The Great Outdoors isn’t for you, make your own adventure by Chillin’ at Home. The Chillin’ at Home rules are simple: stay home, get cold, be safe and don’t forget to snap a selfie or record a video. DIY Plunge ideas include taking the Plunge into a bathtub full of ice, taking a kiddie pool plunge in your backyard, making snow angels in your swimsuits, or having a winter water balloon fight. You can complete your at-home Plunge whenever and however you like! Creativity is key.

The Chillin’ at Home option will also include a Cozy Kit full of items that will be perfect to get you warm and toasty after you take your DIY Plunge.

To participate in either The Great Outdoors or the Chillin’ at Home options, you must register & raise $75. Awesome incentives become available as you raise more money. If you choose to support Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes by Chillin’ at Home, you must register & raise $75 by February 4 to receive your Cozy Kit.

Since 1999, the LETR for Special Olympics Wisconsin has organized the Polar Plunge to raise funds and awareness for the athletes of Special Olympics Wisconsin. Thanks to their efforts, plungers and their supporters have raised over $20 million for athletes over the years.

Donations support the 19 different Olympic-type sports offered year-round, including National and World Games, as well as free health care screenings to ensure optimal health and performance during competition. Currently more than 9,000 individuals with intellectual disabilities experience joy, pride and respect through Special Olympics Wisconsin programming.

Although things will look a little different this year, Special Olympics Wisconsin is confident you’ll have a blast with these safe and social distancing-friendly options. Given everything that’s taken place in 2020, it’s not important how you participate, but that you participate!

Visit PlungeWI.org to see how you can Adventure On in 2021!