Hundreds of people took a leap into the icy waters of Crooked Lake February 23rd -all in support of special Olympic Minnesota.

For the eight year, the Polar Plunge returned to Coon Rapids, raising close to $150,000 for more than 8,000 athletes in Minnesota with intellectual disabilities.

“The impact is all around, I think people when people think of special Olympics they think of a track event or sporting event but it really is that all around programming and trying to build a more unified and inclusive world,” said Special Olympics Torch Run Coordinator Molly Egan.

Combined with 20 other Polar Plunge events in the state, more than $4 million in donations are raised every year. It is money that goes toward funding wellness exams, physical therapy and speech development for athletes and the many programs that build friendships and confidence.

The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office coordinates the event at Crooked Lake, “We get help from our neighboring agencies, Coon Rapids, Anoka, Ramsey, Blain and Fridley,” said Sergeant Anne Bluml.

This year 540 people took the plunge at Crooked Lake.

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