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Polar Plunge 2014
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Polar Plunge 2014
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Courtesy of Deputy Debbie Sumrall, Shelby County Sheriff's Office.
Polar Plunge 2015
A shift of officers from Alabaster PD participate in the Polar Plunge at Oak Mountain State Park.
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Courtesy of Deputy Debbie Sumrall, Shelby County Sheriff's Office.
Polar Plunge 2
Costumed participants at the Polar Plunge at Oak Mountain State Park.
It’s almost time to take the plunge for Special Olympics Alabama.
This year’s Polar Plunge, a fundraiser where community members run into the lake at Oak Mountain State Park for charity, is set for Jan. 30. All donations and funds raised from the event go to Special Olympics Alabama, an organization that provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
The event includes a costume contest before the plunge, a bonfire and time for people to buy food and drinks in addition to the actual plunge.
The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, which is part of the Alabama Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, participates each year. Deputy Debbie Sumrall said she encourages people to donate to the event and take on the challenge of a plunge.
“It’s a lot of fun,” Sumrall said. “Most everyone plunges in their costume. We had a mermaid plunge last year. They had to pick her up off the beach and set her in the water.”
To take the plunge, there is a minimum $50 donation. Individuals are encouraged to donate as much as they can, and while $50 includes a shirt for the plunger, participants can receive more swag as they donate more. There’s also a chance for those who don’t want to go in the water to participate.
“Even if you don’t want to plunge — if you’re too chicken to plunge — you can purchase a “Too chicken to plunge” T-shirt and laugh at the fools running into the water,” Sumrall said.
For more information about the event or to register, visit specialolympicsalabama.com.
