- Dedicated to the continuity and preservation of the Belle Isle Aquarium -

Home      About Us       Info-History       Membership, Volunteer & Donation       News             Gallery

Forum       Press Releases         Events/Meetings                Links            Access

Detroit Rowing Club
Belle Isle

Saturday, February 9th

Registration at 11:00 a.m.
Parade of Costumes and Plunge at 12:00
Awards/Post Plunge Party at 12:45
Open to all – Minimum Donation is $50.00
Don’t want to plunge – collect donations – see article below...

Detroit is one of 14 “2008 Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge” sites
throughout Michigan in February and March.

Info – www.somi.org or 800-644-6404Click here to register now!

From the Special Olympics website:

‘Tis the Season to be Freezin

By Danielle Nicholl

It’s time to take the plunge; the 2008 Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge, that is!
Plungers from around the state will have the chance to dress in their favorite costumes and take a plunge into cold waters to raise funds for the athletes of Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI).

Fourteen Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunges will take place throughout Michigan in February and March, with varying dates and times according to the locations. Plunge sites include: Alpena, Ann Arbor, Big Rapids, Cheboygan, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Mount Pleasant, Muskegon, Saginaw, Traverse City and the Upper Peninsula.

“It really is a fun event. There’s lot of laughs and there’s a lot of interesting costumes,” said Mike Canale, the SOMI southeast regional public relations and events coordinator. “And the best part is that the entire event supports the life-changing programs made available through Special Olympics.”

“It’s a great chance for the whole family to come out and support Special Olympics,” said Jill Schumacher, the SOMI central region director of development and events. “It’s great for kids to watch and there are always participants who show up with some fun and creative costumes.”

After participants register, the event will kick off with a parade of costumes where plungers will compete for the Golden Plunger Award. The award will go to the plunger with the most creative costume or the best jump into the water. A post-plunge party and awards ceremony will follow.

“The party will include warm food and raffles, and is free for all plungers,” Schumacher said. “Additional guests can attend for $5.”

Anyone brave enough to plunge is welcome to partake with a minimum donation of $50. All plungers will receive prizes and an official 2008 Polar Plunge T-shirt.

Those less daring are also encouraged to attend, as well as collect donations for prizes that bare the logo “Too Chicken to Plunge.”
“Even if you don’t want to plunge, you can still help out,” Canale said. “Just by being there and trying to raise funds raises awareness for Special Olympics.”
The Polar Plunge is made possible by the Law Enforcement Torch Run, a group of police officers and corrections personnel committed to raising funds and awareness for SOMI. Proceeds from the Polar Plunge support the year-round sports training and athletic competition for more than 15,200 children and adults with intellectual disabilities who live in Michigan.