The Santa Barbara Special Olympics impacts the well-being of over 500 residents through engaging them in several different physical and social activities. The Polar Plunge is one of their largest events and it takes place at Leadbetter Beach this Saturday so go join the fun and experience a guaranteed feel good vibe while “Freezin’ For a Reason”.
“It gives us the opportunity to support challenged athletes to be able to overcome some of the obstacles they’ve had throughout their lives” – Santa Barbara County Fire Captain Bryan Fernandez
On February 27, 2016 at 09:30AM the second annual Santa Barbara Polar Plunge will take place. It is a fund raising event arranged by the Santa Barbara Special Olympics along with Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR).
What is the Polar Plunge? It is a fund raising event that gathers people for socializing, physical activities, food and belonging of our community. The “plunge” itself is the grand finale of the event where participants enter the water in their own preferred manner and in their own preferred outfit. There is no race, no winner, no loser; you have fun in the water.
The LETR is a Law Enforcement volunteer movement who’s goal is to raise awareness and recognition for the Special Olympics. Last year the Santa Barbara Country Fire Department served fresh warm pancakes before the participants threw themselves into the cold water. You can hear what the LETR had to say about last years Polar Plunge here.
Being around people with intellectual disabilities and volunteering for Special Olympics creates a heightened sense of merit, dignity, self-respect and self-esteem – LETR
Funny outfits are always encouraged!
The “Plunge” aims to engage as many people as possible in fun, dance and play for those who dare tackle the cold waters of our beloved west coast for no other reason than enjoyment. There is no age limit to take part of all the fun and funky (suitable) looking outfits are extremely encouraged to raise the happy atmosphere. The first Polar Plunge in 2015 managed to raise $30,000 that goes to the local Special Olympic athletes of Santa Barbara. If you do not feel encouraged to get into the water, there is going to be much fun on safe land as well. Canopies, music and an activity schedules will be present for those who show up.
There are three ways to participate in the Polar Plunge: Polar Plunge; register as an athlete to join the walking, running and dancing in waters. You can choose to join by yourself, join a team, or start your own team if you have a group of people. “Too Chicken To Plunge”; you are more or less a participant, only difference is that you stay out of the water. Outfits are equally encouraged. Donate; it is a fundraiser so donations are always appreciated. You can do it online or at the actual location.
You need to register as an athlete or become a donator in order to take part of the beverage festivities. Even though you’re not registered and don’t have any plans for Saturday, make the best out of your day by coming to Leadbetter’s second annual Polar Plunge and cheer on the athletes of Santa Barbara!
