ST. GEORGE – The Polar Plunge is one of the biggest fundraisers for the Special Olympics in the nation. On Saturday, St. George becomes the newest participant in the Polar Plunge as individuals dive into ice-chilled waters for a cause.
Happening at the St. George City Pool, this will be St. George’s first Polar Plunge event for the Special Olympics. St. George Police Officer Lona Trombley, one of the event’s organizers, said the Polar Plunge is intended to become an annual event.
While a St. George Police detective and a county sheriff’s deputy will be “taking the plunge,” Trombley said, most law enforcement involved will be volunteering their time at the city pool.
Tromley also said members of the St. George City Council challenged each other to take the dive during Thursday’s council meeting.
As for the pool itself, the temperature was recently measured at around 50 degrees.
“We’ll be adding one ton of ice,” Trombrey said. The ice is expected to bring the pool’s temperature down to around 40 degrees.
All proceeds from the Polar Plunge go directly to the Special Olympics and the athletes, Trombley said. Many of the athletes live on fixed budgets; money raised at the Polar Plunge and other events “help them to get out and participate.”
Over $7,300 has been raised through donations and pre-registration fees as of Friday afternoon.
Donuts and hot cocoa will be served at the event.
How to sign up
Online registration is no long available, but people can still sign up on location Saturday morning at the St. George City Pool.
Day of Registration fees
- Adults – $60
- Students – $45
Event information
Date: Saturday, Feb. 9
Where: St. George City Pool, 250 E. 700 South in St. George
Time:
- Registration begins at 9 a.m.
- St. George Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Special Olympics Utah at 9:45 a.m.
- Prizes for the highest fundraisers is at 10 a.m.
- Plungers start diving in at 10:15 a.m.
Cost: Day of Registration fees: $65 for adults, $45 for students
Event sponsors include: Harmons, Walmart, Cherry Creek Radio, Dealer Collision Center, Zion Harley-Davidson, St. George Lions Club, St. George Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office and the City of St. George for the use of the St. George City Pool.
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @MoriKessler
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