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Region VIII

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Special Olympics Montana

 

 

Premier Sponsor of the Montana Torch Run

 
 
Click Here to see how you can get involved in the Montana Torch Run
 

Law Enforcement Torch Run

Penguin Plunge

A Cool Way for People
with Warm Hearts to Support
Special Olympics Montana

 Over $200,000 was raised during Montana's Polar Plunges

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Polar Plunges Locations, Dates & Times

Great Falls Polar Bear Plunge - Great Falls, MT

Central & 3rd St during Christmas Stroll

December 6, 2008

 

Stillwater Polar Bare Plunge - Columbus, MT

Beartooth Ford during Parade of Lights

December 3, 2008

 

Polar Bare Plunge - Billings, MT

Lake Elmo

December 6, 2008

 

Super Grizzly Dip - Missoula, MT

YMCA - 3000 S Russell

February 2, 2008 - 12:00pm

 

Penguin Plunge - Whitefish, MT

City Beach during Whitefish Carnival Days

February 2, 2008 - 12:30pm

 

Sweetheart Passion Plunge - Helena, MT

Spring Meadow Lake

February 16, 2008 - 12:00pm

 

President's Plunge - Bozeman, MT

Bozeman Ponds

Monday, February 18, 2008 - 12:00pm

 

 Sub-Zero Super-Hero Plunge - Havre, MT

Town Square - Main St

March 8, 2008

 

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How to become a plunger?
STEP 1:  Register for the Plunge.  Click here to Register On-Line.  Then click "Get Started".  On-site registration will also be accepted but incentive may not be available until after the plunge.  You may also download the Registration Form and mail to Special Olympics Montana.
 
STEP 2: Collect Pledges.  Download the Pledge Form and solicit pledges from family, friends, neighbors and co-workers.  Then create an on-line personal fundraising webpage.  Visit www.firstgiving.com/somt and click "Get Started".  Then email additional friends and family asking them to support you by donating to your personal fundraising webpage.  It's fast and easy!  Plungers must collect all pledges before the plunge and bring them to Plunge Registration/Check-In.  All on-line donations are sent directly to Special Olympics Montana.
 
STEP 3:  Read & Sign Waiver. Sign and bring Waiver Form to plunge site.  Plungers under the age of 18 years old must have a parent/guardian read and sign waiver.  Click here to download waiver.
 
STEP 4: Bring waiver, pledge form and pledges to plunge site.  Proceed to Registration/Check-In to turn in pledges and for further instructions.  Changing areas will be available for plungers to change into their "plunge attire".
 
STEP 5: HAVE FUN while supporting Special Olympics Montana athletes!!!
 

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Plunger Tips...or how to have fun plunging!
  • Bring a robe...great for putting on while waiting to go in and even better to slip into as you dry off.

  • Tennis shoes or water shoes required...remember the ground is freezing.

  • Bring extra towels or a blanket...great to help keep warm or dry off with.

  • For after the plunge, bring layered, loose-fitting clothing...it is easier to get into when your fingers are numb.

  • Plunge with a friend...it is more FUN!

  • Minimum pledge amount required in pledges or donations in order to plunge.

  • NO DIVING or entering the water head first.

  • NO wet suits or loose clothing.

  • Plungers will thaw out in the hot tub or warming tents on site.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions...

What is a Polar Plunge? It's a plunge into icy water to raise money to benefit Special Olympics Montana (SOMT) athletes. It's primarily organized, promoted, and conducted by law enforcement through their affiliation with the Law Enforcement Torch Run® to benefit SOMT.

How can you participate? You can be a corporate sponsor, a plunger, a volunteer, or donate to a plunger. We invite you to join the Polar Plunge team in your area or across the state!  Contact Special Olympics for more information.

Event sponsors to date:  Each plunge has a local Premier Sponsor in addition to several businesses that donate money, services, time and employees to participate in the plunge.  The Montana Police Protective Association is the Premier Sponsor of the Montana Law Enforcement Torch Run and CARQUEST is the International Law Enforcement Torch Run.

Can anyone Plunge? Only those who raise at least $100 earn the privilege of taking the plunge. Plungers receive a cool sweatshirt and something to tell their grandchildren. There are other incentives and prizes based on the amount of money raised.

Where does the money go? 40% of the net funds raised support Special Olympics Montana year-round sports training and competition. 60% of the net funds are earmarked for Local Area SOMT programs and athletes. All funds raised stay in Montana to support SOMT athletes. It's a myth that some of the money is earmarked for hypothermia research.

Polar Plunge Goals! First, to raise at least funds for SOMT athletes and increase public awareness of the Law Enforcement and Special Olympics relationship. Second, to have a great time and lots of fun. Third, to applaud people brave enough to plunge into Montana’s icy waters in the middle of winter.

Isn't this risky? We want only people in good health to participate as Plungers. No one with heart disease may plunge. We have personnel in the water at all times and medical personnel and ambulances are present. The actual plunge is a jump into icy water only to chest deep and quickly returning back to dry land. Swimming is optional. Absolutely no diving and no wet suits are allowed. There are warming facilities and a hot tub available.

Who should you contact if you want to be a Plunger? You can contact Special Olympics Montana at 1-800-242-6876 for information and forms.  You can also download the Registration Form, Pledge Form and Waiver.  Mail in your Registration Form early to assure your official plunge sweatshirt at the event.  On-site registration is available, but shirt size is not guaranteed at the plunge.  You will need to bring your pledge form, signed waiver and money raised with you to plunge registration.

Mail forms to:
Special Olympics Montana
710 1st Ave N
Great Falls, MT  59401

Are Plungers crazy to do this? It helps! But remember, our Plungers are doing this to benefit Special Olympics Montana athletes. If you're not into winter water sports, then give generously when a plunger asks for your pledge and donation; and be sure to show up and cheer them on.

Can Plungers wear a wetsuit? Gee, that question is asked a lot and the answer is absolutely not. It takes real men, women, and high school students (yes, we have great youth who raise money) to do this. The official Plunge uniform is only a swimsuit and water shoes.

 

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