What Is The Polar Plunge?

It's what happens when thousands of people around Oregon run into icy cold water to raise money for Special Olympics Oregon. As a "plunger" you register to participate in one of the five plunges around the state. Maybe you join a team. Maybe not. Then you raise a minimum of $50 in pledges from friends and family (but the more you raise, the bigger your incentive prizes). Then on plunge day you run or jump into the water and get out as fast as you can. You decide how far you want to go in. It's all done for fun and to raise money for a great cause.

How Big A Splash Can We Make In 2012?

This past year broke all Polar Plunge records for number of people plunging, amount of money raised, and the freezing coldness in Bend (2 degrees at plunge-time).

But most important, it's made it possible for Special Olympics Oregon to provide more events for our athletes, including bringing back the State Games.

If 2011 was great, just imagine what we can do together in 2012. That's how you can help us. Imagine great things for this next year, then get started early building your team and raising support.

We're Making Improvements To Prevent Long Lines

We experienced some growing pains in 2011, and we know that some of you experienced long lines. We know it’s unacceptable, and frankly, we feel awful. We have spent the last 4 months refining our check-in process and are expanding the number of people that plunge at one time (where we can). We want you to have the BEST time taking the Polar Plunge for us, and we are working hard to make that happen.

Building Our Super Plunge Team: Only The Brave Need Apply

Right now we're putting together our elite team of Super Plungers. This hearty crew will make all other plungers look like lightweights as they jump into the Columbia River every hour for 24 hours. They're like the Navy Seals of plungers. Along with physical stamina, you'll also need good fundraising skills to qualify for this team. Space is limited so contact aellermeier@soor.org for more information.

Looking Back On The 2011 Plunge: Thank You To Everyone Involved

Nearly 3,000 people plunged in Portland, Corvallis, Eugene, Medford and Bend. That's an increase of almost 50% from last year.

Together we raised $467,000 in pledges, which will allow us to serve even more Special Olympics athletes this next year. That's an increase of $142,000!

Our first ever Super Plunge" team of twenty-two volunteers stepped up and plunged once an hour for 24 hours, raising nearly $70,000! (talk about crazy in a good way).

We were treated so well by our sponsors, media partners, and supporting businesses who donated tens of thousands of dollars worth of time, equipment, and funding. We couldn't have done it without you!

Thank you Oregon!

Special Olympics Oregon

The mission of Special Olympics Oregon is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy, and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills, and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes, and the community.

Learn more about Special Olympics Oregon