Registration is now open for the 2011 Polar Bear Plunge season

14 events statewide support Special Olympics Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Nov. 2, 2010 – Brave Minnesotans around the state are gearing up for the coldest moment in their lives as they register for any of 14 Polar Bear Plunge events coordinated by local law enforcement for Special Olympics Minnesota. Registration is now open at www.plungemn.org and the first 2011 plunge will be held Jan. 29.

Polar Bear Plunge fundraisers help Special Olympics Minnesota offer year-round sports training and competition to more than 6,800 children and adults with intellectual disabilities. In 2010 more than 7,000 valiant individuals took the plunge to support Special Olympics Minnesota, together raising more than $1.4 million. Participants often plunge in teams of coworkers, friends or club members and raise money by asking for pledges. Each participant must raise at least $75.

Polar Bear Plunge events will be held in 2011 in the following Minnesota communities: White Bear Lake, Willmar/Spicer, Maple Grove, Rochester, St. Peter, Prior Lake, Duluth, St. Cloud, Alexandria, South Metro, Brainerd, Minneapolis, Eden Prairie and Grand Rapids. For more information on Polar Bear Plunge or to register, visit www.plungemn.org or contact polarbearplunge@somn.org or (800) 783-7732.

Polar Bear Plunge events are organized by Minnesota law enforcement as part of the Law Enforcement Torch Run®, the largest grassroots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics in the world. With a mission to raise funds for and awareness of the Special Olympics movement worldwide, law enforcement officers and personnel from all 50 United States, 10 Canadian provinces and territories and more than 35 nations carry the "Flame of Hope" in honor of Special Olympics athletes in their areas and around the world. More than 1,200 law enforcement officers and personnel representing more than 75 agencies throughout Minnesota participated with the Torch Run initiative in 2010. The Torch Run is an actual running event in which officers and athletes run the "Flame of Hope" to the Celebration Ceremonies of Special Olympics competitions. The Torch Run is also a diverse initiative encompassing a variety of fundraisers, including the Polar Bear Plunge.

Special Olympics Minnesota offers children and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round sports training and competition. Through Special Olympics’ athletic, health and leadership programs, people with intellectual disabilities transform themselves, their communities and the world.

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