Whitewater’s Coolest Event of the Year—IS BACK!
Special Olympics Wisconsin supporters from across southern Wisconsin will Go Polar in Whitewater on Saturday, March 9 for the 2024 Polar Plunge® for Special Olympics Wisconsin, presented by Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics and U.S. Venture.
The Whitewater Polar Plunge® kicks off at noon with an Opening Ceremony at Whitewater Aquatic Center (580 S Elizabeth St., Whitewater) followed by nonstop plunging. This plunge—the first ever Inclusive Plunge—will take place inside and feature an optional ramp-entry pool, allowing for people of all abilities to participate. The day will include live music, a chili cook-off, photo moments with Chilly Bear, food and beverage options, souvenirs, and plenty of fun memories while raising funds for Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes.
Polar Plunge® is Special Olympics Wisconsin’s largest annual fundraiser, this winter celebrating 25 years of the annual event. This year’s statewide goal is to raise $1 million.
More information, including registration and an updated schedule of events, can be found at PlungeWI.org. Pre-registrations are highly encouraged, but on-site day-of registration will also be available.
Whitewater is one of eight Polar Plunge® locations spanning six Saturdays across the state. Other events this winter include Wisconsin Rapids, Oshkosh, Madison, Green Bay, Milwaukee, Chippewa Falls, and La Crosse.
This year’s Polar Plunge® features three ways to participate:
- Plunge: Individuals and their teams can take a traditional dip in-person at eight statewide locations. Those opting out of an in-person event can make their own adventure via Alternative Plunge.
- Pledge: Less daring individuals can still fundraise for the cause by registering as a “Polar Pledger.”
- Support: Finally, the “Support a Plunger” campaign allows fans to support other Polar Plunge® participants—all in the spirit of inclusion.
All can fundraise—however, participants must raise the minimum $100 to physically plunge. Those who do will receive the official Polar Plunge® long-sleeve shirt. Those raising more can earn additional incentives.
Event partners for the Whitewater Polar Plunge® are U.S. Venture, Kriete Truck Centers, City of Whitewater, Bob & Sharon McCullough, Ring Tunes, Event Essentials, Avid, Fort Community Credit Union and Hexpol.
All funds raised for this unique winter tradition go directly to Special Olympics Wisconsin, including helping thousands of statewide SOWI athletes train and compete at the state, national, and international level. The event also supports year-round health and wellness programs, leadership development, and Unified Champion School initiatives that enrich the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID).
For more information about the Special Olympics Wisconsin movement, visit SpecialOlympicsWisconsin.org.
