PLUNGE INFO
Learn MoreWHAT IS THE PLUNGE?
The Polar Plunge is a series of events where people go to the extreme to support Special Olympics Michigan.
Special Olympics Michigan is helping to create a world that accepts and welcomes every single person regardless of ability or disability.
The Polar Plunge is the biggest fundraiser for Special Olympics Michigan. All funds raised by Plungers help Special Olympics Michigan provide year-round training and services to over 23,000 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 Michigan athletes across the state.
WHAT IS LETR?
The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics is a major fundraising and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics with more than 100,000 Law Enforcement and Corrections participants around the world. Law enforcement officers act as “Guardians of the Flame” ensuring the delivery of the “Flame of Hope” through the streets for their local, state or national Special Olympics Games.
LETR is the largest grassroots fundraiser for Special Olympics raising money for the cause since its inception — all dollars stay local to the state program in which funds are raised.
The Polar Plunge is the largest fundraising and awareness tool for Michigan’s LETR program. Plunge season is exciting at SOMI! We love gearing up for the official party of winter. Polar Plunges are our signature event and they attract many new people (young and old) to our program. Organized by local committees of community volunteers, law enforcement and staff, the Polar Plunges involve participants raising money to jump into freezing bodies of water in winter. It’s the reason for freezin’ that we love – all proceeds benefit the programs in Special Olympics Michigan.
The mission of the Law Enforcement Torch Run® for Special Olympics is to raise funds for and awareness of the Special Olympics movement worldwide. Law Enforcement and Correction Officers from every state and more than 45 countries carry the Flame of Hope in honor of Special Olympics athletes in their area and around the world.
SO HOW DOES IT WORK?
Fundraising is required to participate in the Polar Plunge, but the minimum of $100 makes a big-time impact—especially at times when we need it most!
Step 1
- Register for one of our 25 events state-wide.
Step 2
- Set your fundraising goal. $100 earns you the 2025 Polar Plunge Sweatshirt. Make sure to check out this year’s cool incentives for each level.
Step 3
- Ask your friends, Family and co-workers to join your team. The bigger the team, the better!
Special Olympics Michigan would not be able to serve individuals with intellectual disabilities without you. Your support means everything to us.
INCENTIVES
** All Incentive Colors / Brands Subject to Change
$5,000+
North Face Insulated Jacket
$3,000-$4,999
North Face Vest
$1,500-2,999
Carhartt Sweatshirt
$1,000-$1,499
RTIC Cooler
$500-$999
RTIC Bag
$250-$499
Heated Throw
$100
Polar Plunge Sweatshirt
The first level incentive (2024 Annual Plunge Sweatshirt) and the second, third and fourth level incentives will be picked up on plunge day. Plungers qualifying for the $1,500 & $3,000 level will receive a redemption email to claim their prize.
SAFETY MEASURES
Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) reserves the right to delay, shorten, or in rare circumstances, cancel the event due to inclement weather or 2 natural disaster. The safety of participants, spectators, and volunteers is our top priority. Event staff will partner with the National Weather Service (NWS) and local law enforcement agencies to ensure conditions are safe. SOMI will make all possible attempts by email, website, and Social media to inform participants of any updates or changes to the event. Participants will be notified of changes no later than two hours prior to the start of event registration. In the event of a cancellation, earned incentives will be mailed to participants.
