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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.
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Mail forms to: |
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Special Olympics Montana |
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710 1st Ave N |
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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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