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Welcome to the 2025 Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge

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

RegisterDonate

Total Raised

$58,772

Welcome to the 2025 Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run Polar Plunge

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

RegisterDonate

Total Raised

$58,772

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 Polar 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?

Then sign up for the 2025 Cool School Challenge. 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 today.

Contact Us
 
 
 
 
 
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Leaderboards

1.Brian Gimpel|O'Fallon Police Department

Raised $100
Raised $250
Raised $500
Raised $1,000
1st Time Plunger
Team Captain
Raised $2,500
Raised $5,000
$2,103Raised(21%)
0

2.David Mills

Team Captain
Raised $100
Raised $250
Raised $500
Raised $1,000
1st Time Plunger
Raised $2,500
Raised $5,000
$2,028Raised(20%)
0

3.Jim Ford|O'Fallon Police Department

Team Captain
Raised $100
Raised $250
Raised $500
Raised $1,000
1st Time Plunger
Raised $2,500
Raised $5,000
$1,707Raised(49%)
0

4.Lynnsey Brownfield|Arctic Tigers

Team Captain
Raised $100
Raised $250
Raised $500
Raised $1,000
1st Time Plunger
Raised $2,500
Raised $5,000
$1,668Raised(33%)
0

5.Hailee Kern|O'Fallon Police Department

1st Time Plunger
Team Captain
Raised $100
Raised $250
Raised $500
Raised $1,000
Raised $2,500
Raised $5,000
$1,377Raised(69%)
0
2.

Elgin PD

$1,379(9%)
4.

Fairview Heights PD

$1,155(46%)
5.

Antioch Ice Breakers

$1,130(113%)
2.

Lambs Farm

$675(34%)
3.

OLD NATIONAL

$518(52%)
5.

The Blue Horse

$362(72%)
1.

Arctic Tigers

$4,774(48%)
2.

LP Plungers

$1,780(36%)
4.

IV Penguins

$1,301(13%)
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

Become a Sponsor

Fill the Map!

Let’s celebrate the nationwide support for Special Olympics Illinois by filling up this map with at least one generous donation from every state.

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Donors

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Donors

Donate

Become a Plunge Promoter

Get ready to share your frosty feats with friends! Coming soon, you’ll be able to unlock cool rewards and reach those incentive milestones even faster!

CHECK OUT OUR PLUNGE SHOP!

Gear up for the Polar Plunge Illinois with our exclusive shop! Find cozy sweatshirts, comfy sweats, stylish scarves, and more! Perfect for staying warm and showing your support.

Shop Now

Become a Volunteer

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

Create a profile and be on the lookout for plunge events

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

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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.