Take the Plunge

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What is the Polar Plunge?

The Polar Plunge is a unique opportunity for individuals, organizations, and businesses to support local Special Olympics athletes by jumping or running into the icy waters of Wisconsin.

This year there are twelve Plunges statewide to choose from. If you're too chicken to make the splash, you can still participate. Sign up as "Too chicken to Plunge" or show your support by making a pledge to a braver soul. Get your "License to Chill" and take the Plunge!

You can join current Olympic record holder and speedskating gold medalist Casey FitzRandolph as he Plunges in Oshkosh on February 20th.

Register online for the Polar Plunge.

Why take the Plunge?

Since its inception eleven years ago, Wisconsin Plungers have helped raise $8 million for Special Olympics. Children and adults with cognitive disabilities who participate in Special Olympics develop improved physical fitness and motor skills, greater self-confidence and a more positive self-image.

Tips for First Time Plungers

Here's what you need to do to take the Plunge

Step One

Register online

After you register online, you can

• Create your own Web page, upload a photo and text message
• Start or join a plunge team
• Collect and track online credit card pledges
• Use e-mail tools to communicate with friends and family

If you don't want to register online, you can register the day of the Plunge or at a pre-registration event. All Plungers still need to check-in at the Plunge or attend a pre-registration event to sign a waiver, pick up incentives and turn in pledges.

Even if you've registered for Plunges in past years you still need to register for the 2010 Polar Plunge.

Registering online does not guarantee your t-shirt size.

For more information on the Plunge closest to you, contact your Area Plunge office.

Plunge Video on YouTube featuring Milwaukee Brewer Craig Counsell

2010 YouTube promo

Step Two

Raise pledges

• Ask your friends and family to visit your Web page
• Find out how to raise $150 in a week
• Download and print a pledge form
• Link to your Plunge Web page on your Facebook or MySpace account
• Click here to see if your employer offers matching gifts
• Check out the 2010 incentive prizes

Step Three

Turn your pledges in, sign a waiver, collect your incentives and take the Plunge!

There are three ways you can turn in your pledges:

1. Collect credit card pledges online using your online Web page
2. Bring cash or checks with you the day of the Plunge
3. Bring cash or checks with you to a check-in or pre-registration event

More information about the Plunge

• Plungers must raise a minimum of $75 to receive the official Plunge long sleeved t-shirt .

• Checks can be written out to Special Olympics Wisconsin

• Waivers: All Plungers must sign a waiver either the day of the Plunge or at a Pre-Registration event. Plungers who are under 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian.
  Click here to download the release waiver

• Incentive prizes will be given out based on pledges received up to the day of the Plunge. Plunge staff will have a printed record of the total pledges you earn online. Print out your online pledge records and bring them with you when you check in for the Plunge.

• We try to order enough incentives to supply all Plungers; however we cannot always guarantee your incentives will be on hand. If you do not receive all your incentives the day of the Plunge, they will be shipped to you after the Plunge.

Help eliminate the R-word in everyday speech. Take the pledge at r-word.org.

Questions? Check out our frequently asked questions or contact your local plunge office.

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