LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Typically this time of year, dozens of Michigan Legislators and staffers would brave the cold by plunging into an icy pool in front of the Capitol Steps as part of the annual Legislative Polar Plunge benefiting Special Olympics Michigan. This year, the size of the pool is changing but the water will be just as cold, and the money raised is just as important.
In order to follow safety guidelines, gone is the typical 4-foot-deep pool and platform. Instead, Legislators will show their support by soaking in 50 socially-distanced “kiddie pools” filled with icy cold water spread out on the Capitol lawn in front of the State Capitol. The event takes place on Thursday, March 4 at 3 PM and will last approximately 20-minutes.
This marks the 10th year for the Legislative Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Michigan, which is put on by Michigan Law Enforcement Torch Run. The Legislative Polar Plunge has raised $259,000 since its inception, with a goal of raising another $50,000 this year.
The change in format for the Legislative Polar Plunge coincides with the annual Polar Plunge series shifting to a “virtual” format in 2021 with participants creating their own cold water and cold weather challenges at home while still raising money to support Special Olympics Michigan’s inclusive, life-changing programming for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Over the past two months, participants in the Virtual Polar Plunge have raised more than $675,000 for Special Olympics Michigan – far surpassing the initial fundraising goal of $500,000.
Among the registrants for this year’s Legislative Polar Plunge are:
- Sen. Jim Ananich (D-Flint)
- Sen. Marshall Bullock (D-Detroit)
- Sen. Curtis Hertel Jr. (D-East Lansing)
- Sen. Adam Hollier (D-Detroit)
- Sen. Ken Horn (R-Frankenmuth)
- Sen. Sylvia Santana (D-Detroit)
- Sen. Wayne Schmidt (R-Traverse City)
- Rep. Abraham Aiyash (D-Hamtramck)
- Rep. Timmy Beson (R-Bay City)
- Rep. Mary Cavanagh (D-Redford)
- Rep. TC Clements (R-Temperance)
- Rep. Ben Frederick (R-Owosso)
- Rep. Roger Hauck (R-Mount Pleasant)
- Rep. Kevin Hertel (D-St. Clair Shores)
- Rep. Padma Kuppa (D-Troy)
- Rep. Julie Rogers (D-Kalamazoo)
- Rep. Lori Stone (D-Warren)
- Rep. Joe Tate (D-Detroit)
The Polar Plunge series raises more than $1 million for Special Olympics Michigan each year, with 2020 being a banner year that saw a record $1.37 million raised. This unwavering support from Michigan residents, businesses and Law Enforcement members is crucial to helping provide inclusive sports, health and school programs for nearly 23,000 participants all across Michigan.
Since its inception in 1981, Law Enforcement Torch Run has raised more than $600 million for Special Olympics programs across the world.
