The following is a news release from Special Olympics Texas – South Plains Area:

It’s once again time to form a team and pick out costumes for the coldest event of the year. The annual Polar Plunge, which benefits Special Olympics Texas athletes in the South Plains Area, is set to take place on Saturday, Dec. 9 at Ashmore Inn & Suites, 4019 S. Loop 289. Those willing to freeze for a reason, can sign up individually or start a team online. Day of event registration will be held beginning at 9:00 a.m., followed by the Polar Plunge at 10:00 a.m.

The cost to take the Polar Plunge is $50 for adults and $30 for youth (18 years old and under, or with a college ID). All registration fees include a long-sleeve Polar Plunge t-shirt. 

Additional funds raised will qualify participants for various incentive prizes, such as an SOTX beach towel, Polar Plunge backpack or an SOTX folding chair. Incentive prizes are determined by each donation level met. The top fundraising individual and top fundraising team will be honored at the event. An award will also be presented to the individual or team for “Best Costume.”

All proceeds from the Polar Plunge will help fund SOTX competition, programming and training for more than 800 children and adults with intellectual disabilities in the South Plains Area. 

Necessary precautions will be in place to ensure that all participants can enjoy a safe and fun experience. There will be lifeguards, medical and emergency personnel on standby. 

This event operates under the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR), which is SOTX’s largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle. Through efforts like the Polar Plunge, Texas LETR raised over $1.4 million in 2016 to support more than 58,300 SOTX athletes across the state.

For more information, visit www.sotx.org/polarplunge or contact Ashley Pena (apena@sotx.org) at 806-788-1540. 

About the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR)
The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is Special Olympics’ largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle.  In Texas, the Law Enforcement Torch Run began in 1985 and had grown to become one of the largest in the nation.  Since getting its start in Texas, Torch Run has contributed over $26 million through the dedication of thousands of law enforcement personnel fundraising on behalf of SOTX.  The support provided by this dedicated group has contributed greatly to programs in local communities, which involve more than 58,300 athletes with intellectual disabilities throughout the state.
 
About Special Olympics Texas
Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) is a privately funded non-profit organization that changes lives through the power of sport by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect.  SOTX provides continuing opportunities for more than 58,300 children and adults with intellectual disabilities throughout the Lone Star State to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship.  To learn more, visit www.specialolympicstexas.org or call 800.876.5646.  Engage with us on: Twitter@SOTexas; fb.com/SpecialOlympicsTX;youtube.com/specialolympicstexas. Visit the SOTX – South Plains Area Facebook page at fb.com/SOTX17

(News release from Special Olympics Texas – South Plains Area)