Polar Plunge for Alabama Special Olympics back at Oak Mountain State Park on Jan. 13

The annual Polar Plunge, benefiting the Alabama Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, will be held at Oak Mountain State Park, Saturday, Jan. 13, 8 a.m.-noon.

Participants will jump into cold lake water to support Special Olympics Alabama, which provides training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

An annual costume contest will be held prior to the Plunge.

Participants will also enjoy a warming bonfire, as well as complimentary coffee, hot chocolate and breakfast foods, according to Ainsley Allison, community relations coordinator for the Pelham Police Department, the event sponsor.

Pelham officers are “passionate” about the Torch Run and Special Olympics Alabama, according to Allison.

“We’re happy to do anything we can to help our Alabama athletes, especially those from the Birmingham metro area,” she said. “Every person should be accepted and welcomed, regardless of their ability or disability.”

The costume contest is popular, according to Allison. “Officers start planning their costumes months in advance,” she said. “I know [Pelham Police] Chief Larry Palmer is already working on his.”

Organizers are encouraging area high-school students to take the Plunge this year because many of them have Special Olympics athletes as friends and classmates, according to Allison.

The Plunge typically raises about $12,000, according to Allison. 

“We’ve challenged ourselves to double that amount this year,” she said.

Registration for a team of four is $120 in advance, $140 the day of the event. 

Individual registration is $35 in advance, $40 the day of the event.

Costume contest entry is $5.

To register or get more information, go to facebook.com/pelhampolarplunge.com