Participants of a past Polar Plunge seem to be having a good time. (Journal file photo)

GWINN — At 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 14, the Up North Lodge in Gwinn will be hosting a polar plunge event to raise money for the Special Olympics, organized by Plunge Michigan and Law Enforcement Torch Run.

“We typically have over 100 people take the plunge,” said Carla White, event organizer. As of Friday, 80 people were signed up for the event, but White says that many register the day-of.

“All the money raised through the polar plunge goes to Special Olympics Michigan, which helps fund all the sporting events that our athletes love to compete in,” said White.

Special Olympics describes itself as “a sports organization for people with intellectual disabilities.”

“There is no cost to the athletes or their families for them to compete in the sports they love year-round,” said White. “The athletes can attend local sporting events, regional events, and the state Summer, Winter, and Fall games for free. The more money we raise, the more sports we can offer to our athletes, and they never have to worry about the cost of uniforms, training or transportation.”

One example of a local Special Olympics event is the UP Regional Basketball Tournament in Escanaba, which this year will be held on March 7th. All costs for participation are covered for the athletes.

In November, the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Michigan announced a fundraising goal of $20,000 for the 2026 Gwinn Polar Plunge, an amount they say will help support over 22,000 Special Olympic athletes in the state.

“People can register online and create a fundraising page and share it on their social media sites or via email seeking donations from friends and family for taking the plunge,” said White. “You do not have to pay to participate, but to get the official Polar Plunge sweatshirt there is a minimum $100 donation required. The more money people raise, the greater the incentive we offer.”

Other incentives include a Yeti can cooler for those who raise $250 or more, and a NorthFace Backpack and solo stovetop fire pit for those who raise $5,000 or more. Free lunch is provided to those who raise $100 or more.

“Even if people don’t want to plunge, we have a “too chicken to plunge” shirt that will be available at the event, plus other polar plunge merchandise for sale,” said White. “Anyone is welcome to come to the event and just watch and support their friends and family. There will be bucket raffles, and a 50/50 raffle that anyone can buy tickets for.

“Spectators can buy a lunch ticket at the event also. It’s a great fun family event raising money and awareness for an even greater cause.”

Registration is available online at PlungeMI.org. Registration is also available the day of the event. Plungers are asked to arrive early at 12:00 p.m. for plunger check-in, and the parade of costumes followed by plunging begins at 1:30 p.m. Costumes are encouraged!

“We have many of our local special Olympic athletes that raise money and take the plunge,” said White. “So, if our athletes can do it, anyone can Be Bold and Get Cold for Special Olympics.”

More information can be found at https://www.classy.org/event/gwinn-polar-plunge-2026/e732787.

Annie Lippert can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 550. Her email address is alippert@miningjournal.net.