Signup Beginning for Special Olympics Polar Plunge

Be a fan of brrr-avery! Support the Special Olympics athletes of Illinois by jumping into the waters of Lake Sara on Saturday, March 3 for the 2018 Effingham Polar Plunge. The funds raised from the Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge® will benefit the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois. Check-in for the plunge begins at 10:00 a.m.

This is the 19th year of the LETR Polar Plunge. In 19 years, more than $18.4 million has been raised by more than 66,000 plungers. GEICO is the Statewide Presenting Polar Plunge Sponsor.

All Polar Plungers are required to collect a minimum of $100 in donations. People are encouraged to come in costume and to form teams. A team must consist of a minimum of five plungers. Each team member must also raise the minimum of $100 in donations; all team members’ individual fundraising totals will be merged to form a combined team total. Statewide, teams are placed into divisions based on size and are awarded prizes for the most money raised.

All plungers will receive a Polar Plunge hooded sweatshirt in cardinal red. Plungers will also receive an entry into the grand prize drawing. For every $500 and $1000 a plunger raises, he/she will get an entry into the grand prize drawing.

The other incentive prizes are listed as follows:

$250 – Exclusive Special Olympics IL John’s Crazy Socks

$500 – Messenger Bag

$1,000 – Soft Shell Jacket

Bradlee Todd is the 2018 Polar Plunge Ambassador for the Effingham Polar Plunge. He has been competing with Special Olympics Illinois since 2006 in a variety of sports such as bocce, aquatics, softball, bowling, and basketball. Bradlee has participated in the Polar Plunge continuously for the past four years.

Plungers can register for the Plunge at www.plungeillinois.com or by contacting Vanessa Duncan at 217-345- 2424. Last-minute Plungers are welcome to register on-site the morning of the Plunge. 

About Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics
The Law Enforcement Torch Run® is the single largest year-round fundraising vehicle benefiting Special Olympics Illinois. The annual intrastate relay and its various fundraising projects have two goals: to raise money and to gain awareness for the athletes who participate in Special Olympics Illinois. The Law Enforcement Torch Run® has raised more than $43 million over 31 years while increasing awareness of Special Olympics Illinois athletes and their accomplishments.

About Special Olympics Illinois
Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit organization offering year-round training and competition in 17 sports for more than 22,500 athletes with intellectual disabilities and nearly 20,000 Young Athletes ages 2-7 with and without intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics transforms the lives of people with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to realize their full potential in sports and in life. Special Olympics programs enhance physical fitness, motor skills, self-confidence, social skills and encourage family and community support. If you are interested in learning more about Special Olympics Illinois, volunteering or providing financial support to help make Special Olympics programs possible, contact your local Special Olympics agency, call 800-394-0562 or visit their website at www.soill.org.