MARC JACOBS
Hutch Post
Hutchinson Polar Plunge Returns Saturday to Benefit Special Olympics Kansas
The Hutchinson Polar Plunge is set to return this Saturday at Midwest Superstore, raising funds to support Special Olympics athletes across Kansas after weather forced a postponement earlier this winter.
The annual event, organized by Sgt. Andrew Soule of the Reno County Sheriff’s Office, is scheduled to begin with on-site registration at 9 a.m., followed by plunges starting at 10 a.m. or shortly thereafter. The plunge was originally planned for late January but was rescheduled due to extreme cold conditions.
Soule said the local Polar Plunge began in either 2018 or 2019 after law enforcement officials saw the success of similar events across the state through the Law Enforcement Torch Run movement.
“We looked at what other communities were doing and decided to give it a try here,” Soule said. “It’s been very successful for us since we started.”
This year’s plunge returns to Midwest Superstore, a longtime host and sponsor. Additional local supporters include Pools Plus and People’s Bank and Trust.
Funds raised through the event benefit Special Olympics Kansas. While donations are collected locally, Soule explained that all funds raised through Torch Run–affiliated events go to the state level and are then distributed back to local athletes through Special Olympics Kansas programs.
Registration remains open up until plunge time Saturday morning. Participants can sign up in advance online at soks.org by selecting the Polar Plunge tab and choosing the Hutchinson location, or they can register in person the day of the event. A $75 donation is requested to participate, though organizers work with individuals who want to take part.
Those who prefer not to plunge can still support the cause by making a donation online or in person at the event. Spectators are also encouraged to attend, with food, drinks, and opportunities to meet local Special Olympics athletes available throughout the morning.
Soule said the event is about more than just fundraising.
“These athletes are wonderful people,” he said. “This is our chance to support them and help them continue to compete in the events they take so much pride in throughout the year.”
Organizers have set a fundraising goal of $8,000 for this year’s Polar Plunge. As of Tuesday morning, approximately $2,445 had been raised.
If you would like to donate, but don’t want to plunge, you can make a donation to their effort using this link.
The Hutchinson Polar Plunge will take place Saturday morning at Midwest Superstore, with registration opening at 9 a.m. and plunging beginning around 10 a.m. Community members are invited to attend, cheer on participants, and support Special Olympics athletes.