Special Olympics Nebraska Hosts Polar Dive
OMAHA, Nebraska (Nebraska) — It’s that time of year again when kind-hearted people take a dip in cold water for a good cause.
The Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run in Nebraska held its annual polar dive Saturday, during which several people took a dip in the cold Lake Zorinsky.
Polar Dive is an annual event that invites participants to show support for Special Olympics in Nebraska by diving into a lake in the dead of winter. Plungers are encouraged to form teams and dress up in costumes.
Those who were brave enough to throw themselves into the icy water raised money by collecting donations from family and friends. There were also prizes for creativity and fundraising.
“It sounds crazy that you are ready to come to the lake, we have to cut the ice from the lake and you run in and out, but we have so many experienced plungers who do it every year,” said Carolyn Chamberlain. , President and CEO of Special Olympics Nebraska. “It’s one of the highlights where some of these corporate groups come in and dive into teams and plan it every year.”
This year, more than 600 jumpers of all ages completed the freezing Lake Zoris and the event raised over $175,000 for Special Olympics.
“It’s just supporting a great cause… Special Olympics,” said James Wrigley. “The Sarpi County Sheriff’s Office is always trying to team up with them and do things like this, and we just love being a part of it.”
Polar dive income supports more than 6,000 Nebraskans with intellectual disabilities who participate in the Special Olympics in Nebraska.
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