Franklin Hosts Different Polar Plunge For Special Olympics

FRANKLIN, WI —The coronavirus pandemic has forced the cancellation or alternation of so many events, and Special Olympics Wisconsin's annual Polar Plunge fundraiser was no exception.

Instead of people jumping into icy waters around the state, this year's official activities featured folks plunging down sled hills. There were nine official Great Outdoors Polar Plunge events throughout February, and The Rock Snowpark in Franklin played host to one on the final day of the month.

On Sunday, over 100 people hit the slopes in Franklin, according to CBS58.com. There was tubing, sledding, snowshoeing and a cardboard box sled race. Other participants simply performed snow angels or were doused with cold water, often while wearing shorts and a t-shirt.

Even though there was decent turnout at the events throughout the month, and many more people did their own versions of the Polar Plunge at home, Special Olympics Wisconsin's fundraiser still was smaller than in previous years.

"The amount of events we've had to cancel, Polar Plunge is so important, and it's our largest fundraiser of the year, bringing in about $1.5 million," Tyler Pouros, Special Olympics Wisconsin's director of development and special events told Fox6Now.com. "We're trying to hit half of that, so it really means a lot just so we can hit the ground running once things get back to normal."

Pouros added: "It costs $757 to support a (Special Olympics) athlete for one year. With over 9,000 athletes, we just really need your support."

People do not have to take a plunge to support Special Olympics Wisconsin, but can simply go to the organizations website and make a donation.

Read more at CBS58.com.

Read more at Fox6Now.com