Crews load truck for Polar Plunge setup

Those athletes are never asked to pay a fee to pay in Special Olympics events.

Sergeant O’Reilly says all of thedonated funds stay local and assist Special Olympics Alberta’s programs, an organization close to her heart.

Of its seven active years, 2014 saw the most money raised at $117,000.

“Last year the wind chill was six degrees, the year before that it was 12 below wind chill, so this is a solar plunge rather than a polar plunge this year”.

Money raised from the event goes towards the Special Olympics of Nebraska and is used for transportation, uniforms, and helping put on the Special Olympic Games.

“It gives a chance for people with intellectual disabilities to play and compete in sports and learn leadership skills and also you know feel like they’re part of the community”, Wausau Polar Plunge Coordinator Alyssa Matelski said.

At the site they can easily register as an individual, form a team, invite contacts to join the team, create their Personal Plunge Page, check their donation totals and send emails out to their contacts.

Individuals who take the Polar Plunge challenge are asked to raise at least $50 through pledges from family, friends and co-workers. There will even be a “Too Chicken to Plunge” chicken coop photo opportunity for those who prefer to remain on land. Nationwide, several other law enforcement agencies took part in the plunge.

“I’ve had a tremendous experience as a coach and as a law enforcement officer working with Special Olympics”, said O’Reilly.