Special Olympics Alaska moves Polar Plunge to virtual pledge model, inviting entire state to join

WASILLA — Special Olympics Alaska recently is currently holding a virtual Polar Plunge with their partner GCI to raise funds for athletes across the state. This unique model was created as a result of COVID-19, but it allows an unprecedented opportunity for all Alaskans and even beyond to participate in an event typically held in Anchorage.

Special Olympics Alaska normally holds their Polar Plunge event at Goose Lake, where bold, community minded divers from all walks of life dive into the frozen lake. While the format is different this year, the cause is the same. Funds raised from pledges and generous donations will go toward Special Olympics athletes across the state.

“Special Olympics Alaska is an amazing organization that we’ve supported for many years. We’ve set our sights high this year – we’re aiming to get 10,000 people statewide involved with the virtual Polar Plunge,” GCI Senior Vice President of Consumer Services Paul Landes stated in a recent press release. “We hope Alaskans join us in taking the plunge for the athletes.”

Alaskans everywhere and even those outside are invited to register a virtual pledge page to collect donations through Dec. 19, then finally taking their own version of the plunge by posting a fun video. Participants are encouraged to get creative with ways to show their support, with options like dumping a bucket of ice water over their head, or jumping into a cold pool or shower.

“While the traditional event will be missed this year, we’re looking forward to reaching more Alaskans than ever by bringing the event to them. With the generous support from Alaskans, we are able to keep our doors open and athletes competing, developing new skills and making friendships,” Special Olympics Alaska CEO Sue Perles stated in the release. “We’re grateful to have partners like GCI who work alongside us as we navigate these tough times.”

Special Olympics Alaska Director of communications Melissa Wolf said they’ve already received a fair amount of pledges and entertaining videos from various groups and individuals.

“We’ve had some fun entries so far,” Wolf said.

According to Wolf, Mat-Su Special Olympics is one of nine different chapters across Alaska. She said the funds raised will support athletes in each community.

According to Wolf, this is their 12th Polar Plunge. She said it normally draws a huge crowd with lots of costumes and enthusiastic jumping teams. She said she’ll miss that part of it this year, hoping this will be their only virtual plunge.

“It was just too many people to gather this year,” Wolf said.

Plunge pledgers have been collecting donations for about two weeks. Wolf said more registrations are starting to trickle in.

“They’re starting to come in more regularly now,” Wolf said. “We’re hoping once the momentum gets going it will inspire others to get involved.”

While the deadline is Dec. 19, people are still encouraged to make a general donation online or pick a pledge page to sponsor. Wolf said there’s multiple levels of sponsorship with varying prizes for each category.

“There’s lots of fun things you can win,” Wolf said.

To donate to Special Olympics Alaska or for more information about registering for the 2020 Polar Plunge, visit specialolympicsalaska.org/events/polar-plunge/.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com

More information:

In addition to the Polar Plunge, GCI and SOAK executives are also announcing a Polar Un-Plunge challenge. GCI’s Paul Landes and SOAK CEO Sue Perles will be staking the yards of businesses they would like to challenge to get their sign “un-plunged.” When the signs are discovered, the recipient must make a donation to SOAK to “un-plunge” the sign from their yard and plunge it in another business yard, continuing the chain.

Those who accept the challenge are to follow these steps:

1. Register for the event;

2. Raise money for SOAK. Those who raise at least $125 will receive special swag;

3. Record and post their accepted challenge to social media using the hashtag #PolarPlungeAlaska;

4. Challenge three friends to do the same.