Michigan Special Olympics Receives Overwhelming Support with Record Turnout at Clarklake Polar Plunge

Stemming from the grounds of Michigan University, the Polar Plunge has grown to be an annual tradition statewide with wishes for happiness. The Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) arrives every year aiming to offer a sports environment for people with developmental disabilities to indulge in and find a community. And every year, thousands show up to lend a hand in making it possible.

The Polar Plunge for SOMI spreads across 25 locations statewide making it the organization’s largest fundraising event. The practice requires people to hold through the cold and jump into cold water during the state’s winter months. Now with the Olympics arriving and the winter months persisting, Jackson County has witnessed a massive turnout.

All in for the joy of a smile

On the 27th of January, the annual Michigan Law Enforcement Polar Plunge returned to Clarklake receiving an impressive volunteer count of 400. “Nothing beats seeing our athletes out on the field or out competing,” said Special Olympics Events Coordinator Kayla Kubik to WILX 10. “Their smiles is what brings us joy.” The outcome reportedly surpassed last year’s attendance by twice the number to raise a total of $54,000 in support. The cost will be lent towards helping the coming winter games in Feb and the ones further remain in play and cover every participating athlete.

That very reason has people braving through the cold despite the uneasiness it offers. “At what cost did I do that for?” said one of the first-time punglers. “It hurt for me, but it’s good for them.” For safety concerns, the organization also had a fire department on the shores, helping people out of the waters. Ticking the first box on the schedule, the Polar Plunge will move to Fenton, Oakland County, Turk Lake while the Winter Special Olympics take precedence.

Special Olympics, a new world for the athletes

According to Fox 17, nearly 23,000 athletes sought a place and solace at Michigan Special Olympics every year. The event has run successfully for 50 years inviting not just athletes but coaches, fans, and volunteers alike. The event will follow along the patterns of the Olympics to divide winter and summer games catering to its many athletes. Bocce, bowling, gymnastics, horses, powerlifting, swimming and more make up the summer games to announce their arrival on the 30th of May.

Also Read: Despite Struggling With Down Syndrome, U.S. Special Olympics Runner, Who Experienced Historic Moment, Gets Perfect Cheer From Fans: “Tears of Joy”

As of Winter, Skiing, snowboarding, skating and more will be taking over the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Acme from the 30th of January. “It feels good in everything. Just to have people cheer for you and when you compete into the games, it’s like a whole new world open up for you,” athlete Allen Coleman who will be taking the skiing grounds soon says. The Michigan Special Olympics aims to raise about $1.8 Million for these emotions.

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