MADISON — When persons support Special Olympics Wisconsin through the 2021 Polar Plunge presented by the Law Enforcement Torch Run, they’re helping more than 9,000 athletes across the state continue to do what they love and become champions on and off the field.
If not already signed up to do participate in tubing at Tyrol Basin on Feb. 13, or to do a DIY Plunge at home, interested persons can support athletes like David Thompson of Oregon through their Cheer on a Champion campaign.
Thompson has been a Special Olympics Wisconsin athlete for more than a decade now, having competed in basketball, bowling, track and field, softball, golf and powerlifting. In 2018, he earned a silver medal while representing Team Wisconsin in bowling at the Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle.
Also, in 2018, Thompson was inducted into Special Olympics Wisconsin’s Dennis H. Alldridge Hall of Fame for his contributions to the Special Olympics movement as an athlete leader.
“For me personally, being a champion means to strive for greatness both on and off of the field regardless of the obstacles,” Thompson said. “Special Olympics changes lives and brings people together, it’s the light at the end of the tunnel for millions of people. It gives people like me the chance to become a stronger and healthier person and that’s all because of events like the Polar Plunge. Every single donation goes to improving programs for the athletes.”
Instead of the beloved annual event where fans plunge into freezing lakes and pools to raise money for the athletes of Special Olympics Wisconsin, this year’s version will be a “Your Adventure. Your Way.” theme that lets supporters determine exactly how they participate safely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
If donors crave an in-person experience, they can choose from ten Great Outdoors options around the state that offer sledding, tubing or even snowshoeing. Great Outdoors experiences may vary by location. The Madison-area Plunge at Tyrol Basin is presented by JP Cullen.
“I had the opportunity to work a Special Olympics athletic event and to experience the pure joy it brings to the participants. It was truly remarkable,” said Mark A. Cullen, Chairman of the Board for JP Cullen. “We have been committed to supporting Special Olympics, especially through the Polar Plunge, and are proud of the $102,000 our company and employees have raised since 2014.”
An alternate to the Great Outdoors is a make-your-own adventure by Chillin’ at Home with a DIY Plunge.
To participate in either the Great Outdoors or the Chillin’ at Home options, donors must register and raise $75.
Donations support the 19 different Olympic-type sports offered year-round, including National and World Games, as well as free health care screenings, leadership trainings and efforts to bring about more inclusive school environments. Currently more than 9,000 individuals with intellectual disabilities experience joy, pride and respect as Special Olympics Wisconsin Champions.
Contact Tommy Jaime, Director of Communications, by email at tjaime@specialolympicswisconsin.org or 608-442-5675, or Alyse Peters, Director of Development — Special Events, at 608-442-5678 or by email at apeters@specialolympicswisconsin.org.
