This weekend, February 8th, teams will be taking the Polar Plunge in Rochester Minnesota. The event takes place at Foster Arend Park and the weather is expected to be 21 degrees with snow flurries. The West Concord Fire Department has seven fire department members and six family and friends participating in the cold water jump. Each jumper raises pledges to donate to the Minnesota Special Olympic organization. So far in 2025 there has been $2,146,534 raised by 13,903 people in the Polar Plunge. In 2024 over $5 million was raised by more than 21,500 plungers.
The first Polar Plange took place in 1998, and since that time over 100,000 people have participated. The Polar Plunge is the biggest fundraiser for Special Olympics Minnesota. All funds raised by Plungers help Special Olympics Minnesota provide year-round training and services to thousands of athletes with intellectual disabilities across the state. The Polar Plunge is presented by the Law Enforcement Torch Run, a movement of volunteers dedicated to increasing awareness and funds for Special Olympics Minnesota athletes across the state.
Special Olympics is a movement happening 365 days a year. They host nearly 100 events every year that range from sports competitions to inclusive health fairs to the Polar Plunge and more. Minnesota will be hosting the Special Olympics USA Games in 2026, an event that will bring 100,000 people to Minnesota.
Special Olympics is the world's largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, providing year-round training and activities to 5 million participants and Unified Sports partners in 172 countries. Special Olympics competitions are held daily, all around the world—including local, national and regional competitions, adding up to more than 100,000 events a year.
