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.

Polar Plunge Dates & Locations

SubZero SuperHero Polar Plunge - ORDER INCENTIVES

March 20, 2010 - 4:00pm

Havre, MT

Great Falls Polar Bear Plunge

December 4, 2009 - 7:00pm

Central Ave & 3rd Street - Great Falls, MT

Billings Polar Bare Plunge

December 5, 2009 - 1:00pm

Lake Elmo - Billings, MT

Super Grizzly Dip

February 6, 2010 - 12:00 Noon

Missoula YMCA - Missoula, MT

Penguin Plunge

February 6, 2010 - 12:00 Noon

during Whitefish Winter Carnival

City Beach @ Whitefish Lake - Whitefish, MT

Sweetheart Passion Plunge

February 13, 2010 - 12:00 Noon

Spring Meadow Lake - Helena, MT

President's Plunge

February 15, 2010 - 12:00 Noon

Bozeman Ponds - Bozeman, MT

Pintler Polar Plunge

February 20, 2010 - 12:00 Noon

Silver Lake - Anaconda, MT

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!!!  Click here for Plunger Tips

STEP 6:  Order your incentives

While we try to order enough incentives to supply all plungers; we cannot always guarantee they will be on hand.  If you do not receive your official plunge incentive the day of the plunge, they will be available for pick up afterwards.  You will need to check back here after the plunge to order any additional incentives you have earned.

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 Law Enforcement Agency Sponsor of the Montana Law Enforcement Torch Run.  Tim and Mary Barnard are the Premier Mission Sponsor of the Montana Torch Run.

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

Where does the money go? 60% of the net funds benefit local Special Olympics Montana athletes while 40% of the net funds raised support SOMT year-round sports training and competition. 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 funds for SOMT athletes and increase public awareness of the Law Enforcement Torch Run 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/or 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.  On-site registration is available, but incentive is not guaranteed at the plunge.  You will need to bring your pledge form, signed waiver and money raised with you to plunge registration.

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.

How to raise $100 in One Week

Forms

Registration Form (pdf)

Pledge Form (pdf)

Waiver (pdf)

"Polar Plunge Challenge" Letter (pdf)

Be A Fan of Goosebumps invite (pdf)

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