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Welcome to the 2024 Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge

You braved the cold and made the 2024 Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge the biggest year yet. Registration for 2025 will be coming later this year

Keep in touch for 2025Donate
THANK YOU Video

Total Raised

$2,476,914

Welcome to the 2024 Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge

Be Cool. Take the Plunge. Support the Athletes of Special Olympics Illinois

RegisterDonate
Help Cole Kmet Support the Plunge

Total Raised

$2,476,914

How to Get Involved

Want to be cool and support life-changing programming for people with intellectual disabilities in Illinois? You’ve come to the right place.

1

Step 1: Register

Sign up to participate at the location you choose
2

Step 2: Fundraise

Start collecting donations to meet (and beat) the minimum $100 total to support Special Olympics Illinois athletes.
3

Step 3: Take the Plunge!

Register
Did you know the Polar Plunge can come to your school? Learn about the Cool School Challenge.

Mission Statement

Special Olympics Illinois is a not-for-profit sports organization offering year-round training and competition in 18 sports to a community of more than 55,000 traditional athletes, Young Athletes, Unified partners, coaches, volunteers, and more. It strives to be a global leader in shaping a culture where people with and without intellectual disabilities are fully integrated into the community by providing year-round opportunities in competitive sports, health education, leadership and personal development.

Learn More
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Hear our Stories

Athlete
February 29, 2024

O’Fallon Police Department Breaks Statewide Team Fundraising Record

In a remarkable show of support and dedication for the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois, the O’Fallon Police Department shattered the statewide team fundraising record when they plunged and raised…
aly
Athlete
February 15, 2024

Emmerson’s Story

Emmerson Hjort, a 21-year-old athlete from Region I, has dedicated 14 years to Special Olympics Illinois, showcasing her sports abilities in gymnastics, golf, softball, and more. She actively participated in…
Special Olympics Illinois
Athlete
September 27, 2023

Jamie’s Story

To help more athletes find a sense of belonging, sign up for the 2024 Polar Plunge today.
Special Olympics Illinois
View All StoriesSubmit Your Story

Want the Polar Plunge to come to your school?

The Cool School Challenge encourages whole-school engagement, bringing the fun of a Polar Plunge right to your school’s campus. This is a fun way to teach students about inclusion while supporting the athletes of Special Olympics Illinois.

Click below to learn more about how to get your school involved in the 2025 Polar Plunge

Contact Us
 
 
 
 
 
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1

Leaderboards

1.Brian Gimpel|O'Fallon Police Department

Raised $100
Raised $250
Raised $500
Raised $1,000
Raised $2,500
Raised $5,000
1st Time Plunger
Team Captain
$16,370Raised(109%)
0

2.Olivia Lockett|Paver Posse Plungers

Raised $100
Raised $250
Raised $500
Raised $1,000
Raised $2,500
Raised $5,000
1st Time Plunger
Team Captain
$14,145Raised(94%)
0

3.Courtney Lindsey

1st Time Plunger
Raised $100
Raised $250
Raised $500
Raised $1,000
Raised $2,500
Raised $5,000
Team Captain
$13,700Raised(13700%)
0

4.Nick Schmidt|O'Fallon Police Department

Team Captain
Raised $100
Raised $250
Raised $500
Raised $1,000
Raised $2,500
Raised $5,000
1st Time Plunger
$12,357Raised(99%)
0

5.Kevin Rugaard|Paver Posse Plungers

Raised $100
Raised $250
Raised $500
Raised $1,000
Raised $2,500
Raised $5,000
1st Time Plunger
Team Captain
$10,381Raised(10381%)
0
2.

2.KSD 140 Plungers

$33,635(168%)
3.

3.Chillin' With The Cats

$21,053(211%)
4.

4.Arctic Tigers

$20,937(209%)
5.

5.POWER Plungers

$16,192(162%)
2.

2.Maple Park Plungers

$23,134(93%)
3.

3.Arctic Tigers

$20,937(209%)
4.

4.Will County Sheriff

$19,859(159%)
5.

5.Elgin Police Department

$17,736(177%)
1.

1.Paver Posse Plungers

$51,160(114%)
3.

3.Gallagher Polar Plungers

$14,633(293%)
4.

4.Celebrate!

$13,664(91%)
5.

5.IIce Cubicles

$11,358(227%)
2.

2.Paver Posse Plungers

$51,160(114%)
3.

3.KSD 140 Plungers

$33,635(168%)
4.

4.Maple Park Plungers

$23,134(93%)
5.

5.Arctic Tigers

$20,937(209%)
View all leaderboards

Why Take the Polar Plunge?

From family members to colleagues, warm-hearted people across the state of Illinois choose to take the Polar Plunge each year. And this year they are telling us WHY! 

Support Your Why

Presenting Sponsor

Statewide Sponsors

Become a Sponsor

Become a Volunteer

Help transform the lives of those with intellectual disabilities. Donate your time and talent to a local event, competition, and more.

Find an Opportunity

Become an
Athlete

Our traditional sports program serves athletes who are 8 and up. Young Athletes can participate from ages 2-7.

Get in the Game

Learn More about Torch Run

The officers of the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run help give athletes a voice in their local communities.

Find Out More

Stay Connected for 2025

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Special Olympics Illinois Social

Share your Polar Plunge journey with our online community. Be sure to tag Special Olympics Illinois and use #PlungeIllinois to connect with other warm-hearted individuals across the state.

Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run

Connect with the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run through social media. And, be sure to tag these channels so we can stay up to date with your activities.

View Polar Plunge Safety Policy

Please be safe with your Create Your Own Plunge choices. Special Olympics Illinois is not responsible for any injuries that occur while participating in the Create Your Own Plunge option.

Those choosing to Create Your Own Plunge are encouraged to be safe with their Create Your Own Plunge choices. Special Olympics Illinois utilizes a professional dive team in the water and emergency responders to ensure the safety of our participants at traditional Polar Plunges. Do not attempt to jump into a lake, river, or any other open body of water for the Create Your Own Plunge. Participants should not do anything that could physically harm themselves or others. Special Olympics Illinois is not responsible for any injuries that occur while participating in the Create Your Own Plunge.