(Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Oregon/Facebook)
It’s not too late for Salem residents to get their costumes or swim attire ready and register for the Polar Plunge, where they can run into water below 40 degrees in support of Special Olympics Oregon athletes.
The organization holds the Polar Plunge in multiple cities and will have its newest event, the State Capital Polar Plunge, at the Illahe Hills Country Club in Salem on Feb. 5.
The event also includes 5K and 10K “fun runs” throughout the state, according to a press release. Participants in the Polar Plunge or Fun Run commit to fundraising on behalf of Special Olympics Oregon, which has a goal of raising $590,000 statewide.
People can register and find more information online.
“Dozens of local teams made up of students, law enforcement, gyms, corporate partners, and general thrill seekers will sprint into the chilly river waters to show support to their local athletes,” the press release said.
This marks the 17th year for the Polar Plunge. Special Olympics Oregon every year serves more than 14,000 participants with intellectual disabilities through its sports programs, according to the press release.
-Ardeshir Tabrizian
