sabrinaBATES
MVP Regional News Editor
The 12th annual Polar Plunge is an event hosted by Special Olympics Upper West Tennessee to benefit more than 300 athletes in Lake, Obion, Weakley, Henry and Carroll counties. Dubbed as “freezin’ for a reason,” this annual event helps raise money and awareness for Special Olympians across Northwest Tennessee. Plungers jump into the historically-cold waters of an in-ground swimming pool, courtesy of main-event sponsor, Aloha Pools and Spas in Union City.
This year’s event is set to be held on Saturday, February 11.
Participants can register for the in-person event at Aloha Pools and Spas in Union City, better yet, they can join a group of friends to form a plunge team. Each participant is asked to raise a minimum of $50 to receive the official 2023 Polar Plunge T-shirt and bragging rights for being the coolest person in Northwest Tennessee. The more money raised means more prizes and incentives. Those wanting to take the plunge can go to polarplungetn.com, click Union City, to register. Registration begins at 11 a.m. and the plunge starts at noon. There is a $10 registration fee, which is added to the total funds raised for each plunger.
Costumes are encouraged and prizes will be awarded to plungers based on their costumes and total funds raised for the event. Prizes include insulated totes, long-sleeved T-shirts, wireless chargers and Yeti coolers. Event organizers are still seeking prize sponsors. Anyone interested in donating awards for participants can visit polarplungetn.com.
Can’t make it to the plunge? You can still make a financial donation at polarplungetn.com. Click Union City and then donate. This year’s goal is $20,000. As of Jan. 26, $1,300 has been raised for the event.
The mission of Special Olympics of Upper West Tennessee is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.
