More than 14,000 Plungers raised $2.85 million this winter for Special Olympics Minnesota by jumping into freezing water in one of 16 Polar Bear Plunge events around the state. The fundraiser was record-breaking from 2011, in which 11,000 individuals took the Plunge that raised more than $2.2 million. The Polar Plunge events are organized by Minnesota law enforcement as part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run. The fundraisers help raise funds and awareness of the Special Olympics movement worldwide. Law enforcement officers and personnel from all 50 states, 10 Canadian provinces and territories, and more than 35 nations carry the “Flame of Hope” in honor of Special Olympics athletes in their areas and around the world. Polar Bear Plunge fundraisers help Special Olympics Minnesota offer year-round sports training and competition to more than 7,200 children and adults with intellectual disabilities. “We are so grateful for the thousands of Minnesotans who showed their generous spirits by jumping into icy water to support Special Olympics Minnesota athletes. We are also very proud of our partnership with law enforcement across the state, and thankful for the law enforcement personnel who made the events possible,” said David Dorn, President of Special Olympics Minnesota. “The record breaking 2012 Polar Bear Plunge season will allow us to grow Special Olympics programs in Minnesota, helping us reach more athletes and provide more opportunities.” Local Minnesota communities that held the Polar Bear Plunge this year were Alexandria, in which 336 Plungers raised $64,222, Brainerd that had 379 Plungers whom raised $73,573 and Mille Lacs, which included 148 Plungers that raised $30,000. Other communities that held the event were White Bear Lake, Wilmar, Maple Grove, Rochester, St. Peter, Anoka County, Prior Lake, Duluth, St. Cloud, South Metro, Eden Prairie, Grand Rapids and Minneapolis. Minneapolis topped in donations with 4,301 participants that raised $883,398. The Polar Bear Plunge in year 2012 was the first year it was held in Anoka County, Mille Lacs and at Camp Arifjan in Kuwait, the first time Pee-Wee Plungers were able to participate, and the first time the event was held in 60 degree weather. The 2013 Polar Bear Plunge season will begin in January and online registration is expected to be open in October. You can go to the website plungemn.org for more information.
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