WILLISTON, N.D. – The Williston Police Department invites the public to be “freezin’ for a reason” at this year’s Polar Plunge in support of Special Olympics North Dakota!
The Polar Plunge takes place Saturday, April 1 at the Upper Missouri Valley Fairgrounds in Williston. Registration starts at 30 minutes before your plunge time. The plunge begins at 12:30 p.m, There will be food, entertainment and activities for all ages. New to this year’s event is a live auction, which will begin at 11 a.m. The auction will feature various items donated by local businesses and organizations.
"All of the proceeds from the Polar Plunge auction will go to Special Olympics of North Dakota," said Heather Cook, Public Information Officer with the Williston Police Department. "And all the money that's generated here in our area is earmarked to come back to our local programs."
Community participation is encouraged, and plungers can still participate as an individual or as a team of friends, co-workers, or classmates. Everyone plunging must raise a minimum of $100 to “take the plunge” into the icy waters. Plungers can elect to compete for the following awards:
- Best Costume
- Best Belly Flop
- Youngest Plunger
- Most Money Raised by a Team
- Most Money Raised by an Individual
The Polar Plunge in Williston is organized by community volunteers along with local law enforcement who participate in the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics as “Guardians of the Flame.” These events, along with similar events in communities across the state, help support the more than 1,000 athletes served by Special Olympics North Dakota, who train and compete year-round in 14 Olympic-type sports.
“The Polar Plunge is a fun opportunity to support local Special Olympics athletes and bring the community together,” said Nancy Hanson, president/CEO of Special Olympics North Dakota. “Your contribution and involvement help athletes achieve their goals, live healthier lives, and have a sense of inclusion in the community. If you are unable to take the Plunge, we welcome you to still come out and show your support!”
To get involved, for more information or to register, visit www.specialolympicsnd.org or call 701-746-0331. Plungers may register the day of the event. Volunteer opportunities also are available.
For more information on this story, please contact Calli Stellmacher, Community Service Liaison, at 701.577.1212 or [email protected].
About the Polar Plunge
The Polar Plunge is a unique opportunity for individuals, organizations, and businesses to support Special Olympics North Dakota. All proceeds benefit programming for Special Olympics athletes throughout North Dakota. Since it began, thousands of plungers have shown their bravery by taking the plunge for Special Olympics. Other plunges occur in Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot and West Fargo.
About Special Olympics North Dakota
Special Olympics North Dakota is part of a worldwide movement that unleashes the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sports every day around the world. Through work in sports, health education and community building, Special Olympics is addressing inactivity, injustice, intolerance, and social isolation by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities which leads to a more welcoming and inclusive society. Every year more than 1,000 Special Olympics people are served in North Dakota and have an opportunity to take part in any of the 14 sports offered. With the support of more than 100 coaches, 1,500 statewide volunteers can deliver nearly 79 statewide competitions and events throughout the year.
Learn more about Special Olympics North Dakota at www.SpecialOlympicsnd.org and follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/SpecialOlympicsND, Twitter @SONorthDakota and Instagram @specialolympicsnd.