The 2012 version of the Law Enforcement Torch Run Rochester Polar Bear Plunge was again a huge success.  This year marked the eleventh year of the Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics held at Foster Arend Park in Rochester.  In those eleven years, the plungers of Southeastern Minnesota have raised more than $1 million to support Special Olympics Minnesota and Special Olympics Rochester Area.

Athletes from Rochester area have competed at National and International games as well as participated in numerous events and competitions locally, regionally, and at the State level. Most recently Rochester Athlete Amy Holte was chosen and competed in the Summer World Games in Athens, Greece as a swimmer. Special Olympics Minnesota and International provide more than just athletic competitions to its athletes, it includes health screenings at competitions and educational opportunities also. Athletes are trained to become part of a speaker’s bureau known as Global Messengers.

This year the Plunge garnered 1,040 plungers from a wide variety of businesses, individuals, schools, and community organizations. With that they raised as of Plunge Day, February 11th, $218,422. Numerous plungers are pledge via matching funds and plunge first pay later agreements. Normally the total of money raised reaches its grand total several weeks if not months later once all the pledge money is actually collected.

Also this year, the Plunge in Rochester continued the only Minnesota “Super Plunge” where this year seven dedicated and hardy individuals are asked to raise $3,000 individually and then earn the right to Plunge 24 times in 24 hours. This year, the weather proved to be a staunch rival as plunges were adjusted in their frequency to allow the Super Plungers to reach their goal of 24 plunges in 24 hours but to also keep them safe throughout the event. They accomplished their goal in flying colors!

The Polar Bear Plunge Committee consists of law enforcement, corrections and detention officers, as well as members from Special Olympics Minnesota and Rochester Area and the City of Rochester Park and Rec. It takes nearly 100 additional volunteers mostly from the RCTC Law Club and Law Enforcement Skills Class to make the Plunge run smoothly. Next year the Plunge is slated for Saturday, February 9th with the Super Plunge again beginning on the Friday, February 8th.  Start you’re planning now, we are!